Jeremiah Holland Sr

Jeremiah "Jerry" Holland Sr. April 1, 1944 - March 2, 2025

Jeremiah Patrick Holland Sr. (Jerry, JP or Pop) 80 years of age, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on March 2, 2025, at home peacefully and surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on April 1, 1944, in New York, New York, and was raised in the Bronx by his parents, Patrick and Eileen Holland who were both Catholic immigrants from Ireland. Jerry was the first in his family to be born in the United States. He attended Mount Saint Michael's Academy where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete. His specialty was the 400 meter in track, and he broke the New York State record. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, right after he graduated high school. While in the Navy, he was introduced by a fellow sailor that was the uncle of the woman who would become the love of his life, Sandra Guess. After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1964, Jerry moved to Ocala where he and Sandy would marry and embark on an amazing journey together.

He started his distinguished Law Enforcement career in 1966 at the Ocala Police Department. In 1968, Jerry became a Deputy at the Marion County Sheriff's Office. While working at the Sheriff's Office and attending classes, he earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Central Florida and Saint Leo University. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Jerry was a strong advocate for education and instructed many aspects of law enforcement training. He shaped and mentored the career of countless Law Enforcement officers. He touched many lives and was well respected by his peers. Jerry worked his way through the ranks and retired as Chief Deputy of the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 1998. He created a legacy which continues to grow. Following retirement, he served as a Marshall under Don Moreland, who was the Marion County Sheriff for the majority of Jerry's service at MCSO.

When he moved to Ocala, he became a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and was a devout Catholic for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks club. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. He cherished spending his summers with Sandra at their cabin in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. He loved God. Not only was Jerry and honorable man, he was a patriot. He was an outstanding dad who adored his family, friends, and his favorite pet beagle, Buttons. He was quite the prankster and had an unforgettable laugh. He loved Bluegrass, country and gospel music, singing and playing his guitar.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sandra. Son, Jerry Jr. and his wife Christine, daughter Wendy and two grandsons, Jerry III and Brennan. His brother in-law Woody Guess his wife Diane and sister in-law Bonnie Guess. Nieces - Olivia Kasey Amorginous (JT), Bronwyn Guess and Becky Guess. He is preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Eileen, father and mother in-law Frank and Grace Guess and brother in-law Bobby Guess.

A mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:30pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church with burial to follow at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens, Ocala, Florida.

The family will be receiving friends during his viewing from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Roberts of Ocala Funeral Home, 606 SW 2nd Avenue, Ocala FL.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice of Marion County and asks that any memorial donations be made to the Hospice of Marion County.