James “Jimmy” Willard Holbrook passed peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Parkside Lutheran Nursing Home, Lisbon, ND, surrounded by family.

Jimmy was born on December 13, 1970, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Robert and Delores (Beshears) Holbrook.

Jimmy grew up on the north side of Fargo in the development known as “The Ridge.” He attended Madison Elementary, Ben Franklin Junior High, Fargo North High School, and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1989.

When Jimmy was younger, you could almost always find him outside at the Madison schoolyard with his brothers and the neighborhood kids, as he got older he continued to hang out, as a Ridgey, with his friends. He was an incredible hockey goalie — good enough that many believed he should have gone pro. Between school, hockey, and spending time with friends, Jimmy also developed a talent for winning radio station contests, spending countless hours listening and calling in. Surprisingly, he won more than a few.

Jimmy’s greatest passion in life was fishing. As a young boy, he spent time fishing the river and Star Lake with his dad and brothers during family camping trips. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong obsession. If life had allowed it, Jimmy would have fished 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether it was ice fishing in the dead of winter or chasing walleye the moment spring season opened, he was always planning the next trip. What was supposed to be “just a couple hours” on the lake often turned into twelve-hour adventures if Jimmy thought he had a bite.

Jimmy’s work life reflected his hardworking nature and creative spirit. Over the years, he worked delivering newspapers, cooking in restaurants, building fiberglass speedboats, and helping create custom classic cars. He loved building things, fixing things, and working with his hands.

Family meant everything to Jimmy. As the years went on, you could often find him at one of his siblings’ homes, grilling — and never with propane — laughing, joking around, and spending time with family. He carried that love for togetherness throughout his entire life. In later years, he also discovered a love for baking.

Jimmy was also the family’s unofficial bargain expert. Whether hamburger, ribeyes, or T-bones were on sale somewhere in town, he made sure everyone knew about it.

A devoted lifelong bachelor, Jimmy poured his love into his three beloved dogs: Butthead, Butthead Two, and Summer. They were never “just dogs” to him — they were his children, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them.

Jimmy was an amazing brother, brother-in-law, devoted uncle, and great-uncle. Whenever anyone needed help, Jimmy was usually the first person there.

In April 2024, Jimmy was reborn in Christ and began a deeply meaningful spiritual journey. He was excited to share his faith and spread the Word of God to anyone willing to listen. Many family and friends looked forward to the daily Facebook affirmations and messages he faithfully shared.

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Debbie Holbrook of Fargo; brothers, John (Gina Bultje) Holbrook of Mitchell, South Dakota, Randy (Jennifer) Holbrook of Fargo, and Ricky (Buffy) Holbrook of Fargo. He is also survived by 18 nieces, 11 nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews; aunt, Bonnie Olson, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Delores Holbrook; brothers, Robert Jr. “Robbie” Holbrook and Roger “Bucky” Holbrook; and niece, Tanya Holbrook.

JimBob will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.