James Paul Holley, III (JP)

James Paul Holley, III, lovingly known as JP, passed away unexpectedly at home Sunday morning. He was surrounded by those he cherished — his wife and his child — after a wonderful night with his whole family doing what he loved most, sharing a meal.

JP was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He had a joyful, energetic presence with an ornery gleam in his eyes to everyone who knew him. He lived a healthy, full, and vibrant life in his short 34 years of age — one he marked by curiosity, hard work, laughter, adventure, and deep love.

JP is survived by his beloved wife, Maleri Holley, and their 8-month-old daughter, Evelyn “Evie” Holley, who was the light of his life. He is also survived by his parents, Leia and Jamie Holley; his brother, Sean Holley; grandmothers Reta McCracken and Sonja Holley; his in-laws, Kamran and Shamera Malekyar; sister-in-law, Emali Lopez (Brandon); and niece, Ivy. As well as many extended family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who will feel his loss all the same. He is proceeded in death by his grandfathers Lester McCracken and James Paul Holley, I.

From a young age, JP showed extraordinary strength and character. JP stepped up without hesitation when his father was deployed, becoming the steady rock of his household. He carried compassion and maturity far beyond his years, supporting and loving those around him through life’s challenges. He showed up for people — every time — and made sure his brother, Sean, experienced the world without limits, living by his mantra: “You don’t know if you don’t let him try.” When told that a learning disability would limit his own future, JP simply responded, “Watch me.” And he proved them wrong again and again.

JP and Maleri had many loving adventures when moving around Kansas, Minnesota, California, and Missouri. As a lifelong learner, JP taught himself electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all the smart-home technology he could find while remodeling their home in Missouri with Maleri — a home they were just beginning to settle into and enjoy. They loved to travel whenever they could and spent time building a life full of memories alongside their huskies, Cali and Sky, and more recently with their latest adventure, Evie. These adventures will be greatly missed as Maleri and Evie navigate a life without him.

JP attended Kansas State University from 2009–2010 and the University of Minnesota from 2010–2014. He was a proud member of Kappa Sigma and loved being both a Wildcat and a Gopher. Minnesota never left his heart, it was his favorite place. As a proud Vikings fan, JP listened to KFAN daily, often filling their home with the Power Trip Morning Show in the early mornings. He especially loved sharing the weekly Initials Game with Maleri and, every year, insisting she listen to the Christmas Letter in hopes it would inspire her to decorate a little earlier. He loved to share with others and his passions became that of those around him.

Professionally, JP was a proud consultant at Deloitte, where he rose into leadership and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues worldwide. He loved that his work took him to new places and introduced him to people from all walks of life. JP truly had a “work hard, play hard” mantra that he lived day in and day out. Every phase of life and every encounter he had, everyone can relate to the fun that they had just because JP was there initiating it all. He truly stretched everyone to step out of their comfort zone and do something a little more exciting and a little more challenging than they had planned.

To say JP had a passion for cooking would be an understatement. He was self taught master at-home chef, preparing new meals daily and expertly presenting each dish with creativity and care. His kitchen stove and smoker was likely his third most prized possessions — right behind Maleri and Evie. He always had his nose buried deep in a cookbook, constantly looking for new experimentations to try. He would scour Reddit and test out the latest NY Times daily recipes. As a fan of whiskey and wine and all things fine, his love of food and spending time in the kitchen quickly extended into cocktails, where he proudly worked on his latest “science projects,” often involving a tiki glass.

Beyond being in the kitchen, JP loved the outdoors — fishing, boating, and especially being on the lake. He eagerly awaited the cold days of winter that would freeze the cove near their home to allow for all the ice skating and hockey he could squeeze in. JP knew how to get those steps in. He loved going for long walks with his family and pacing the room on phone calls. He was known for taking his work calls outdoors, neighbors often catching him pacing around the lake while chatting away.

He was the rare person who could walk into a room of strangers and leave with friends — from finance professionals in New York City or fishermen in northern Wisconsin. JP had a way of making people feel seen, understood, and at ease. His humor was ornery and playful, and honestly not always understood, but always always always rooted in love. Above all, JP loved fiercely. He adored Maleri and Evie beyond measure — they could do no wrong in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than for them to be happy and taken well care of. He had shared dreams of travel, adventure, and the life they had planned together with Maleri all the time.

JP lived an entire lifetime in just 34 years. He filled rooms with warmth, meals with love, and lives with unforgettable moments. He leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who loved him. We love you, JP. We trust that God has plans for you far greater than we can understand, and we hold onto the hope that we will be together again someday.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Bucyrus Cemetery, Bucyrus, Kansas.

JP enjoyed a good party surrounded by his family and friends. The family hopes you can join them in a celebration of his life, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Cinder Block Brewery, 110 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, Missouri 64116.

For those asking, in lieu of flowers the family is setting up an account for Donation's for Evelyn's Future.

To share your memories of JP or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the Guestbook below.