JAY HOLMAN'S SON, MICHAEL, 43, PASSES AWAY

 

Jay Holman survives son's passing & respiratory attack

Jay Holman, Class of 1971, tells a fascinating story of dealing with the passing of his son, Michael, and weathered the infection terror that strikes fear into all of us:

“John, I finally turned corner a couple of days ago. Cousin Murphy came by after (son) Michael’s funeral and I felt bad, had all the signs -- eyes red, cough, chills, lost taste -- took the test and under 5 minutes popped up positive about 2-3 days later.

“Margaret got it. I can not take Paxlovid due to my underlying condition kidney. Doctor said it would do more damage than good so I had to ride it out.

“I was fortunate that I had all my shots plus flu. I am thankful that I am ready to transition to the other side 3 days later.

“Margaret also was positive but we are both doing well and on the mend.

“I would like to thank Sue (Sanders) for checking on me. As I have said before without a doubt the Class of 1971 is hard to beat. I was truly fortunate to spend 4 years with them and will never forget them.

“Truly a class above.”

Well said, Jay! 

Jay Holman’s son, 43, passes away

 

 

Michael Holman, son of Jay Holman, Class of 1971, passed away at the age of 43.

 

Jay posted:

 

“Today I am preparing to say goodbye to me youngest, son, Michael. Gone too soon.”

Jay lived in Carolina while attending Monongah High and, with Kitty Morrison and Sue Schrader, has been instrumental in Class of 1971 reunions over the years.

Jay has had medical heart problems over the years. Losing a child is a major heart problem for every parent!

My condolences go out to Jay and Fairmont West graduate Margaret, his wife, who married in 1974.

Margaret gave birth to 3 sons, Jay III, Robert and Michael, was North Carolina’s Career and Technical Educations Teacher of the Year for 2017.  Michael came to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in 2011 as a teacher at East Chapel High School after four years in Granville County Schools.

 

Jay III is a Chicago banker and Robert works for the federal government out of Clarksburg.

 

Talent runs deep in the Holman family. Jay’s granddaughter, Joycelin Holman, at Weston’s Robert L. Bland Middle School, was chosen Lewis County Young Writers winner among 7^th/8^th graders.

Joycelin, a regular occupant of the Bland School’s honor role, is the daughter of Robert and Billie Jean Holman of Jane Lew. Joycelin has three siblings – Ava, Austin and Elijah.

 

Jay lives in Fairmont after spending time in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. He lived in Carolina during his Monongah High days.

 

Jay was a ground mechanic for the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

The obituary about Jay's remarkable life that ended way too soon:

 

Michael Alex Clayton Holman, born on March 26, 1979, a vibrant soul known for his rambunctious spirit and steadfast resilience, akin to a '4 x 4' in the face of life's challenges, passed away after a brave battle with chronic kidney failure.

Michael's journey began in Fairmont, WV, a place that shaped his early years with a strong sense of community and spirituality. His move to Charleston, WV, brought him into the company of spiritual friends who deeply impacted his life. Despite his affection for Charleston, circumstances led him back to Fairmont, where he was an active and cherished member of the Grafton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses until 2005. He continued his spiritual journey in Parkersburg South in 2007.

Finding his true home in North Carolina, Michael surrounded himself with a diverse cast of characters who became his chosen family. In this nurturing environment, he flourished in his career as an educator in family and consumer sciences, earning accolades for his exceptional teaching and dedication.

Diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 2012, Michael tackled his illness with the same rambunctious zeal and '4 x 4' tenacity that he lived his life. In these challenging times, he was profoundly thankful for the sacrifices and unwavering support of his parents, who ensured his comfort in his final months. The bond with his brother Bobby, his rock and sounding board, and the selfless love and support from his sister-in-law Billie were his sources of strength and gratitude.

Michael leaves behind a deeply cherished family, including his loving parents, Jay and Margaret, who provided unwavering support throughout his life and illness. His brothers, Jay and Robert, were not just siblings but lifelong companions, sharing countless memories and bonds that will endure in their hearts. Michael's love for his sister-in-law Billie Jean, as well as for Joycelin, Austin, Elijah, and Ava was immeasurable, as he embraced each moment with them with joy and affection. His extended family, comprising several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues also mourn his loss, remembering the warmth and connection he brought into their lives.

Michael's life was a testament to his unyielding spirit,