John Edward Holmes

March 9, 1951 - March 4, 2021

John Edward “Papi” Holmes, 69, of Kissimmee, passed away Thursday, March 4th, 2021, surrounded by his children. Born to John and Jean Holmes of Melbourne, FL, John graduated from Melbourne High in 1969, and he received his Bachelor of History in 1972 from Florida State University before later receiving his Masters in Education from Rollins College. He was happily married to Janis née Schaffer. John is survived by daughter Jennifer, son John, daughter Janette, brothers Wayne and Russ, mother Jean, granddaughters Bailey, Morgan, and Harper, and in-laws Briann, Stephanie, and Jason. He was preceded in death by his father John Jewell and his wife Janis. John taught American History for 35 years in the Osceola County Public School System. He loved painting miniatures and playing tabletop war games, sharing his passion and knowledge with hundreds of students in his school gaming club. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, enjoyed volunteering his time at both Pioneer Village and the Military History Museum in Kissimmee, and was an avid Living History and Historical Reenactor for decades. He loved sushi, 80’s music, and “resting his eyes” during baseball. A Covid-conscious public viewing will be held at the Osceola Memory Gardens in Kissimmee, FL next to Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday, March 12th, 2021 from 10am-2pm, followed by a small, private service for immediate family. There will be a virtual service for those who cannot be in attendance. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery next to his wife. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Pioneer Village, the Military History Museum, or the Osceola County Historical Society. He taught thousands, he cared deeply for his family and friends, and he will be missed by many. In his words, “That’s just what us legends do.”