Obituary of James Douglas Holdren, Sr.

On December 7, 2024, our beloved father, James Douglas (Doug) Holdren, Sr., while in the loving care of and surrounded by his children, passed away in his home; taking his final step to being reunited with his soulmate, our much loved and missed mother, who undoubtedly are now together again for eternity in the glorious presence of our almighty God.   

Doug was born in Bedford County on May 1, 1946 to the late Glen Henry Holdren and Ethel Craig Holdren.  He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Judy Wyath Love Holdren, whom he dearly loved and cherished.  He was also predeceased by three brothers, Glen Holdren, Billy Holdren and Robert Holdren, as well as a sister, Doris Piaelet.

Doug was co-owner and co-operator of J.L. Holdren Janitor Service of Bedford, along with Judy, for over 50 years.  He was an extremely hard working christian man, driven by the love for his wife and family, striving to provide them with a comfortable life, as well as a warm and loving home.  Along with his wife Judy, he was a gifted gardener and shared a passion for gardening with her.  

Left to cherish his memory, and honor both his and Judy's devotion to family, is his four children, Pamela H. Orange and her husband, Terry of Bedford Virginia; James (Jim) Douglas Holdren, Jr. and his wife, TammySue of Bedford, Pennsylvania; Zandra H. Dorr and her husband, Mark of Naola, Virginia; and Johnathan G. Holdren and his wife, Amber of Bedford, Virginia.  PawPaw is also survived by and will be tremendously missed by his seven grandchildren, Dustin Holdren, Serenna Mitchen, Brandon Dorr, Adam Holdren, Brittany Boyles, Ryan Dorr and Wyatt Holdren; as well as eight great grandchildren, Thomas Barlow, Brody Dorr, Leigha Boyles, Harper Dorr, Isaiah Boyles, Oakley Elkins, Matthew Barlow, Jr. and Xander Dorr.  He is also survived by a brother, Eddie Holdren and his wife, Nina of San Diego, California; and three sisters, Vickie Wilder of Three Lakes, WI; Elizabeth Davis and Charlotte Bryant, both of Bedford, Virginia.  

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Doug and Judy’s passion for gardening, please consider a donation to Wharton Garden, or donate to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Centra Hospice for their assistance over the last several months as we cared for our sweet daddy.  

Per Doug's wishes, there will be no services and interment will be private.  Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.