Sad news for New Jersey fly fishing

[teter]

JIm Holland, my friend and one of my fishing mentors, has died. The owners of the Raritan Inn in Middle River shared this message. Jim introduced me to the South Branch Raritan River 20 years ago. He was a great teacher and wonderful guy. Jim was an owner of Shannon's Fly and Tackle in Califon.

Lon Teter



It is with great sorrow that I report that Jim Holland has lost his battle with cancer late this morning. Jim’s heart kept him moving and thinking forward many months past what his body told him was enough. He fought till the end. He was planning a fall return to the shop as late as mid-week. This was not denial, but fortitude and drive. His body simply could take no more. Jim passed peacefully at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Jim was a history teacher and man of faith combining his love for both at Villa Walsh Academy for his professional career. Shannon’s Fly and Tackle was the epicenter of his passion. He was a friend to all the rivers and fish, and mentor to the fly-fishing public.

Our condolences go to his mother Mary, his brother Chris, and the many whose lives Jim touched in his decades of public interactions.

As his celebration of life plans evolve in the coming days you will all be kept abreast of updates, time and location.

Say a prayer for his mom, brother, and extended family.

One of the best just got away from us. May his run up the river never end.



Lovingly,



Bill, Brooke, & Marcia, & all his fishing friends.

[Hellmtflies]

Sad news indeed. I had met Jim several times years ago when he first acquired the shop from my friend Les Shannon. Les was my first fly tying mentor and neighbor. He said I was his first fly tying failure. Jim had stated that he wanted to keep the memory of les alive and so he did for several years through maintaining the shop as Les might have. I lived in the apartment above the shop for a number of years. Spent much of my spare time there assisting Les and then the transfer to Jim. May Jim as well as les rest in peace.
Mark

[redietz]

Very sorry to hear this.

[ibookje]

Condolences to all near

[Bamboocollector#1]

My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

[adrien schnee]

Lon, thanks for sharing this sad news. I didn’t know Jim, but have tremendous respect for his character and attitude in how it seems he lived his life with optimism and motivation to the end despite the great adversity of dealing with cancer. I’m sorry for your loss of such a good friend and for all of the others close to him.

[flyslinger]

Sorry to hear this. I'll be praying for his family.

[teter]

Jimmy wasn't really a bamboo guy, but a couple of the other guys at the shop and I got him interested, and I think he eventually picked up a rod from Dennis Menscer. He also organized "Traditional Angler" days at the Raritan Inn that drew lots of bamboo and old reel fans. I think this picture is from May 2011. Jimmy is at the left and I am at the right, with Jerry Girard in between. Your may also recognize Bob Selb and Per Brandin, among others.

[Hellmtflies]

Funny, I was at that event. Though not in the photo. Thanx for the reminder.

[redietz]

Funny, I was at that event. Though not in the photo.

I believe I was as well. I was at a couple of them.

[adrien schnee]

Goodness, he passed away at just 56 years old I see. Very sad.

[Pentalux]

Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

[PMD18]

Good guy! spent time when Les owned the shop latter under Jims owner ship.
Many good times.
pmd18