James Donald Holley (1940 - 2012)

Born 24 Feb 1940 in Vernon, Lamar, Alabama, United States

Died 19 Nov 2012 at age 72 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jimmy Honey [send private message]

Biography

James Holley is Notable.

James Donald Holley is a notable figure due to his significant contributions as a historian, author, and professor. His extensive research and writings on topics such as the New Deal communities in the Lower Mississippi Valley, the impact of the mechanical cotton picker and black migration on the South, and Arkansas politics, have provided valuable insights into the region's history. With a career spanning four decades, he left an indelible mark as a dedicated educator at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, shaping the minds of countless students. Holley's expertise, recognized by prestigious awards and accolades, and his commitment to preserving and sharing local history, have solidified his legacy as a respected and influential figure in the field of history.^[1]

James Donald Holley, was born on February 24, 1940, in Vernon, Lamar County, Alabama. He was the son of William Albert Holley and Johnnie Wilma (Harris) Holley. From his early years, James displayed a passion for knowledge and a deep interest in history.^[1]

During the 1940s, James lived with his family in Vernon, Lamar County, Alabama. These early years likely provided him with a strong foundation and fostered his curiosity about the world around him.^[2]

By the 1950s, James and his family had relocated to Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas. Here, he lived on 12th Street, immersing himself in a new community and expanding his horizons.^[3]

James pursued higher education and graduated from the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1962 with a bachelor's degree. He furthered his studies at Louisiana State University, obtaining a master's degree in sociology in 1964. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned a master's degree in statistics. However, his true passion lay in history, prompting him to return to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, to complete his doctorate in history in 1969. His dissertation, titled "The New Deal and Farm Tenancy: Rural Settlement in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi," was guided by Professor Burl Noggle of the Department of History.^[1]

Before completing his Ph.D., James made a pivotal move to Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas. He joined the faculty of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at what was then known as Arkansas A&M. For four decades, he dedicated himself to teaching, serving as a department chair and imparting his knowledge to countless students. Additionally, James took on the role of editor for the "Drew County Historical Society Journal," showcasing his commitment to preserving and sharing local history.^[1]

In 1975, James published his first book, "Uncle Sam's Farmers: The New Deal Communities in the Lower Mississippi Valley." This work, based on his dissertation, garnered recognition and earned him the prestigious Agricultural History Society Award. He continued his scholarly contributions with his second book, "The Second Great Emancipation: The Mechanical Cotton Picker, Black Migration, and How They Shaped the Modern South," published in 2000 by the University of Arkansas Press. Demonstrating his dedication to his alma mater, James authored his last book, "Celebrating a Century of Opportunity," commissioned by the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) for its centennial anniversary.^[1]

Throughout his career, James Donald Holley has made significant contributions to historical research. He authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in publications such as the Arkansas Historical Quarterly, delving into topics such as Arkansas politics, the Great Migration, and the influence of the Ku Klux Klan. His expertise extended beyond the local realm, as he also contributed essays to journals such as Agricultural History and Louisiana History.^[1]

James retired from teaching in 2007, leaving behind a lasting legacy of knowledge and inspiration. In recognition of his immense contributions to the field of history, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arkansas Historical Association in 2007, cementing his place as a respected historian and educator.^[1]

Sadly, James Donald Holley passed away on November 19, 2012, in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.^[4][5] His impact on the academic world and his dedication to preserving history will continue to resonate through his books, articles, and the memories of those who had the privilege of learning from him. He was laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that exemplifies the power of passion and knowledge.^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} Woodward, Colin Edward, Encylopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 28 Jun 2023. "Donald Holley (1940–2012)." Accessed 6 Jul 2023.
2. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Vernon, Lamar, Alabama; Roll: m-t0627-00048; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 38-1 Ancestry Record 2442 #60057394
3. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: United States of America, Bureau of the Census; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790-2007; Record Group Number: 29; Residence Date: 1950; Home in 1950: Port Arthur, Jefferson, Texas; Roll: 838; Sheet Number: 73; Enumeration District: 264-25 Ancestry Record 62308 #187519905
4. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #92921221
5. ↑ U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current: Publication Place: Kentucky, USA; URL: http://www.tributes.com/obituary/print_selections/94839712?type=1 Ancestry Record 7545 #305226613
6. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101040846/james-donald-holley: accessed 06 July 2023), memorial page for James Donald Holley (24 Feb 1940–19 Nov 2012), Find A Grave: Memorial #101040846, citing Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by KLS (contributor 47564246).