Five-term Dale District Supervisor James M. “Jim” Holland has passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Holland passed on October 14 at his home surrounded by family.
Despite declining health in recent months, Mr. Holland, 73, the longest tenured current member of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, remained focused on the needs of his district and the county. Shortly before passing, Mr. Holland penned a letter intended for his constituents stating, “it has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to serve you.”
Holland’s first term began in 2008. He would serve as board chair in 2014, 2021 and 2024, and as vice chair in 2010 and 2022. Holland’s public service extended far beyond his beloved Dale District and county, having accepted appointments by every Virginia governor during his nearly 18-year tenure, the most recent being a reappointment to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board. He also represented Chesterfield regionally on the Richmond Region Tourism Board, Capitol Region Airport Commission, Greater Richmond Partnership, PlanRVA, and the Capital Region Workforce Partnership.
“We will greatly miss Jim’s calm, deliberate and gentlemanly approach to navigating the work of the board,” said Bermuda District Supervisor and current Board Chair Jim Ingle. “Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of serving alongside him has learned from him. Jim’s approach was always to do what he thought was best for his district and Chesterfield.
“We will appoint someone to take his seat until a special election can be held,” Ingle added, “but we will never replace Jim Holland.”
Mr. Holland, a U.S. Army veteran and CPA who taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, helped guide Chesterfield through times of great prosperity and change. During his time on the board, Chesterfield has experienced significant economic growth and enhanced quality of life. His steady approach also helped Chesterfield weather two of the most significant challenges the county has faced, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holland was still new to the board in 2008 when the housing crisis struck. Holland relied on his expertise as a CPA to help successfully steer Chesterfield through the ensuing financial emergency that would later become known as the Great Recession. By the time the pandemic hit years later, Holland was a seasoned county leader whom others turned to for guidance and wisdom to navigate unprecedented challenges. Chesterfield weathered the recession and pandemic better than many other localities to remain among the top performing local governments in Virginia and the nation.
This past May, Chesterfield renamed the Beulah Recreation Center as the James M. Holland Recreation Complex at Beulah, recognizing Holland’s key role in envisioning the previous Beulah Elementary School a community gathering place. During his tenure, the Dale District saw new schools built, including replacements for Beulah Elementary and Falling Creek Middle, and the renovation of Central Library. The Chesterfield County Airport has also grown its presence to attract business in the heart of the Dale District.
Holland also helped lead Chesterfield to unprecedented economic development. Projects by companies including Sabra, Maruchan, Niagara, Plenty, LEGO, Commonwealth Fusion and others are shaping the county, growing the commercial tax base, and providing thousands of jobs.
Holland is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith, and two adult children including a daughter, Jessica Holland Tamba, and a son, James Matthew Holland. Funeral arrangements will be announced.