Jim Holton

James Cox Holton was born on the early morning of June 21, 1925, in Saxtons River. In 1943, James, also known as Jim, graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School. 1943 was the same year Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the V Amphibious Corps and participated in the capturing of the Island Majuro, part of the Marshall Islands. Upon his return home in 1946, Jim under the G.I. Bill attended Arnold College and the University of Massachusetts. After graduating with a master's in physical education, Jim returned to Bellows Falls Union High School in 1974.

Jim first started out as a bus driver but later changed roles to the head groundskeeper. To say he loved the ground of Bellows Falls Union High is an understatement. Working nights, the weekends, or whenever they needed him, Jim was always ready to serve Bellows Falls Union High. Jim also had great pride on the football field. If Jim was not officiating football games, he would be running the time clock. Bellows Falls Union High Class of ‘84 yearbook mentions Jim, stating, “Mr. James Holton: Our Groundskeeper. Bellows Falls has the best athletic facilities in the state due in great part to the efforts of Mr. Holton. His dedication and great efforts to make B.F.U.H.S. a showcase to be proud of should not go by without recognition. Thank you.” In addition, every Sunday Jim would set up the games for pee-wee football. Jim was also a proud member of the Vermont Football Association.

Even after moving to Florida, Jim kept the valuable lessons he learned while at Bellows Falls Union High, whether it was caring for the field or raising the flag every morning. Jim passed these valuable lessons on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.