Perry "Pete" James Holmes Sr., 63, of Newberry, was selfemployed as a mechanic, store owner, mason, and carpenter who built many homes and other structures in locations across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Mr. Holmes died Saturday morning July 3, 2010, at his home, following a long illness.

He was graduated from Brighton High School in Brighton in 1965, excelling in sports. Mr. Holmes later especially loved telling stories of his football glory days. As a business owner, he sponsored many local baseball and hockey teams, and many of the original Pete's Hilltop shirts can still be seen in the area. Mr. Holmes had a lifelong love of camping, fishing, and hunting with his friends and family.

Mr. Holmes is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda (nee Ivy) Holmes; two sons and their families, Perry James and Brenda Holmes II and David Vincent Holmes; grandchildren Joe, Chelsie, Tia, Nicholas, Perry, Ellie, and Megan, and four siblings, Gary Holmes of Germfask, Sharon Broaddus of Niceville, Florida, Earlene Landis of Gregory, and Warren Holmes of Newberry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Irlene Holmes of Brighton.

The family received friends to share stories and a campfire at their residence on Cherry Hill Drive Monday, July 5.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisted the family with arrangements.