J immie Don Holmes, age 79, of Sikeston, died Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Delta South Nursing Center in Sikeston.

Born May 24, 1943, at Kennett, MO, to the late Walter Thurston Holmes and Ida Mae Bagby Holmes, Jimmie was raised in the Senath area. Following his high school graduation, he entered into the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam era, mostly at Fort Hood, TX.

After his military service, Jimmie embarked on a lifelong career in education. He attended and graduated from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro with both a bachelor and master's degree with an emphasis in English and History. He later received his educational specialist degree from the University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg, MS.  Jimmie served in public education for over 35 years, starting at Gosnell, AR and Rector, AR and then on to Parma and New Madrid County Central, teaching History and English.  He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Horses were Jimmie's passion.  He was a breeder and trainer of championship walking horses for which he won numerous awards.  He was most proud of his show horse, "Coaches Cheerleader 2015", a four year old World Champion Mare.

He married Margot Engle Eby and she preceded him in death.

Surviving are his stepchildren, Judy Eby of Columbia, MO; Debbie (Keenan) Carlisle of Risco; Karen Eby of Chicago, IL and Larry (Anita) Eby of Sikeston; step grandchildren, Shauna Fowler, Dana Eby, Kyle Carlisle, Zach Cowan, Chelsea Boone, John Daniel Turner, Jake Cowan, Lauren Marie Eby and Maggie Eby; thirteen step great grandchildren; his sister, Sharon Holmes Easter of Hartsburg, MO; nephew, Richard Brandon Easter and great niece, Allison Easter and great nephew, Logan Easter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Robert Lee Holmes.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until time for services at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Private interment will be at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to: