James Elton Holland

James Elton Holland, affectionately known as PawPaw, passed away on March 14, 2021 at 90 years of age. A long time resident of West Memphis, he was born on July 6, 1930. He was married to his wife Sally for 65 wonderful years. Elton started his career at Malco Theatres, Inc. as an usher at the age of fourteen. He retired as advertising director with over forty years with the company. He became the youngest manager to ever operate the company’s _agship theatre, the 2800 seat Malco Theatre in Memphis, at the age of 26 years old. He won many awards and plagues in recognition of his outstanding work in the theatre business. Mr. Holland was known for his contagious laugh and positive attitude. He was always easy to locate by following his whistling. He was also known for his honesty, integrity and wisdom. He was often sought out for advice from his employees as well as his employers. He was a mentor to many young people, many who were new to the job industry. He had the privilege to see hundreds of young people grow, and mature with increased condence as they continued their education, careers and started families of their own. He was a great teacher of life who taught by example how to love, care, support and lend a helping hand or a listening ear. He also stood up for injustice and fought for what was he thought was right and just.

His wife, Sally, called him “her jewel”, but close by you could hear his chuckle and him saying “more like a diamond in the rough”. He would make up hilarious song lyrics and sing to the delight of the young and old. He was known by many for his jocularity. Mr. Holland contracted polio as a child and his condition prevented him from joining the armed forces during war times. He showed support and patriotism by being a part of Malco Theatres and using Hollywood movies to uplift spirits for the military and their families. This allowed soldiers and the families to escape the worries of war and be entertained for a few hours with popcorn and a coke.

Mr. Holland also enjoyed challenges and adventures. It wasn’t unusual for him and his family to spend a year planning the next vacation. He introduced his family to beaches and oceans, clear streams in mountain ranges, and deserts and canyons all over the USA. He was a history lover so national parks, monuments and museums were also frequent stops. Camping was also an enjoyable pastime from pitching tents, trail hikes and cooking dinner from what was caught in the nearby stream.

His imagination and creativity was seen not only through his work at Malco but at home as well. Family birthdays and holidays were full of surprises. Similar to the art department basement built monsters to promote a horror lm for Malco or tons of dry ice to create a spooky ground cover for Sivad and his hearse. Sivad was a household name in the Mid-South. Watson Davis and Mr. Holland worked long hard hours to bring the ultimate entertainment experience to the public. Mr. Holland was famous for his advertising methods involving just old fashioned fun.

After retiring from Malco he worked for the Pinkerton Corporation. He worked at WMC-TV and enjoyed his position there helping people with their personal safety and security. He enjoyed greeting and conversing with employees and visitors. He always tried to make their day brighter and enjoyable. He also worked a short time at Fed-Ex before retirement called him again.

He is survived by his daughters, Belinda Roederer (Ray) and Cheryl Martin and a son James E. Holland Jr. (Rita). His grandchildren, Jennifer McCoy (John), Allen Martin (Sara), Emily Martin (Ross), Catie Parashis, Brad Holland and Kevin Holland, and great-grandchildren Alex Parashis and Hope Marie Holland. He is preceded in death by his parents Ola and Delona Holland, wife Sally Holland, brother J. D. Holland, grandson Jeffrey Haworth and son-in-law Alvin Martin.

Mr. Holland was a long time member of First Baptist Church. He was also a long time member of the Rotary Club, supporter of United Way, and an honorary deputy sheriff. He was also an honorary Girl Scout for providing transportation and storage for Girl Scout cookies and camping equipment. Mr. Holland was also the recipient of the ribbon for fastest time in his age group in the Race for The Cure at the age of 70 years old.

Visitation will be held at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR on Saturday March 27th from 9:00 am to 10.00 am followed by funeral service at 10:00 am. Memorials are asked to be sent to First Baptist Church West Memphis.