Jim Holmes – Rest in Peace

Aug 18, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and Director, Jim Holmes, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary at GARLAND.

Jim joined GARLAND in October 2008 as Company Accountant and was later appointed Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary. In this role, he provided steady leadership across our finance, human resources, and treasury functions, contributing greatly to the strength and stability of the company. Jim was instrumental in guiding GARLAND through the challenging years of the economic downturn following 2008, including the most difficult period around 2010.

With more than 40 years of experience in accounting, financial management, and administration, Jim brought a depth of knowledge and judgment that enriched every aspect of his work. Jim graduated from the College of Commerce, Rathmines (now TUD) and trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  Before joining GARLAND, Jim held senior positions in utilities, retail distribution, and international investment management. His career included guiding the successful due diligence of a major takeover and serving as both Financial Director and Managing Director of the Irish administration office of an international property fund managing €1.25 billion in assets. Jim also held a Diploma in Legal Studies from the Dublin Institute of Technology and was a proud member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Beyond his many professional achievements, Jim will be remembered within GARLAND as a trusted and valued colleague. He will also be fondly remembered for his dry humour, which brought levity to even the busiest or most challenging days. We will miss all the sporting chats, especially the friendly banter and congratulatory messages whenever your rugby team scored a big win, particularly over his own teams. As a dedicated supporter of Ireland, Leinster, and St. Mary’s RFC, however, he rarely had to concede in recent years.  Jim will be famous for the phrase “championship minutes", indicating the importance of the 10 minutes either side of half-time.  Jim also enjoyed work social occasions, probably because he often had the responsibility of picking up the bill at the end of the event. 

Jim was heavily involved in the Rockwell College Union, where he was President for the years 2007/08. He attended events throughout the country and in London and Paris, most recently a Park Run in Herbert Park.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Bernie and sons, David and Bernard, sister Helen and wide circle of family and friends.  He will be profoundly missed, and his legacy at GARLAND will endure. We have not only lost a colleague but a true friend, with whom we shared many highs and lows over the years. Jim had been making retirement plans for this year, and we are truly saddened that he and his wife, Bernie, will not be able to enjoy this next stage of their loving partnership.

Jim passed away overseas, and we are awaiting confirmation of funeral arrangements.

May he rest in peace.