23 May 2011
The Grainville School community, past pupils, friends and colleagues will be able to celebrate the life of teacher Jim Holland at a memorial service at the Royal Jersey Show Ground, Trinity, at 3pm on Friday 3 June.
Jim Holland, aged 40, died on 6 April after collapsing at Grainville School. Head teacher John McGuinness said “The tragic news of his untimely death came as a massive shock to the school community. As a self-professed ‘god of maths’ and ‘polo king’ Jim was respected by one and all. His charm, sense of humour and wicked dress sense reflected a man loved by all that knew him.
“He was an inspirational teacher and leader with a natural flair for making the most difficult maths tasks appear so straightforward. Thousands of comments posted on-line and on tribute notice boards around the school reflect how highly Jim was valued and now how dearly he will be missed.”
The tributes have included:
- ‘You were a unique and wonderful man and you will never be forgotten.’
- ‘Brilliant teacher and brilliant man. RIP.’
- ‘It was amazing seeing the whole school cry over one man that made such a difference.’
- ‘Take care of yourself up there sir. Even though you’re gone you are still part of our Grainville family, forever with us and forever in our hearts.’
Mr McGuinness added “Jim brought a practical and realistic approach to education and used his endearing sense of humour to great effect. On behalf of the Holland family and Grainville School community we would like to invite past and current students, parents, colleagues and friends to join with us in a celebration of his wonderful and unique life.
“We are all better people from knowing Jim. He has helped to change our lives. His death is not just a great loss to Grainville School, but it is Jersey’s loss too.”
Jim’s parents, Ken and Jose Holland, will be in Jersey for the memorial service and have said that everyone is welcome to attend his memorial service to pay tribute to the man that put his love of teaching and supporting young people first in his life.
Donations to the Jim Holland Fund are being received by Grainville School.
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