THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 17, 2025 Page 3 City Mourns Loss of Former Malden Police Chief James J. Holland Malden Police Chief (Ret.) James J. Holland, more than 40 years with MPD, former Malden School Committee member, was 77 M alden Police Chief (Ret.) James Joseph Holland, a lifelong Malden resident, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston at age 77. Jim was a dedicated community leader and public servant, with over 40 years of service as a police officer. He started his police career at the Melrose Police Department, and then transferred to the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Police Department, before coming to the Malden Police Department in 1975, where he remained for 38 years. His time at Malden PD culminated with his three-year term as Chief of Police before his retiring in 2013. Jim’s service to the City of Malden extended beyond his duties as a police officer. He was a devoted member of the Malden School Committee for 20 years, and, more recently, had been serving on the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee since 2021. In addition to all of his community work in Malden, Jim also served on the board of directors in the Balmoral Community in Moultonborough, N.H., for 17 years, where he had a summer home. Jim was a diehard Boston Celtics Basketball fan and loved the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He channeled his love of baseball into coaching for the Malden Babe Ruth League, starting as a Division II coach for the Otters, and after two years he was asked to take over the Pilots team in Division I. He continued to coach the Pilots for many years, eventually coaching the team with both of his sons. Jim was the beloved husband, partner and best friend of Maureen (Buckley) Holland of Malden; together they shared a loving marriage of 44 years and built a beautiful life and family together. He was the proud and loving father of Jill Holland of Lynnfield; Michael Holland and his wife Gina (Aretusi) of Malden; Dr. Cristin Holland and her partner Joe Morrissey of New York, N.Y.; and James Holland II and his wife Funeral arrangements were handled by the Breslin Funeral Home of Malden. A Memorial Service was held on September 26, with the Malden Police Department Honor Guard holding vigil. Please consider making donations in Jim’s memory to: Blood Cancer United (previously Leukemia & Lymphoma Society): Blood Cancer United, Donor Services PO Box 98011 Washington, DC 20090-8011 https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org/campaign/717321/ donate and Cape Ann Animal Aid 4 Paws Lane Gloucester , MA 01930 https://www.capeannanimalaid.org/donate.html Heather (Whisple) of North Reading. He was a devoted Papa to Gianna, Mikayla, Logan and Vivian Holland. He is also survived by his extended family: sister-inlaw Patricia Buckley; brothers-inlaw David Rourke of Stoneham; Steven Buckley and wife Monica of Chelmsford; Timothy Buckley and wife Cathy of Wakefield; and Thomas Buckley and wife Julie of Saugus; 11 nieces and nephews and their families; and Betty (Foreman) Holland of Lynnfield, Mass., mother of Jill and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Marguerite (Coulter) Holland, his siblings George, Dennis and Margaret Holland, and his sister-in-law Sandra (Buckley) Rourke. Jim was also a licensed electrician, having graduated in 1968 from both Malden High School and Malden Vocational High School with two diplomas. He was extremely handy and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do when it came to carpentry, plumbing & electricity. Jim especially cherished every moment he spent with his family. Whether it be on family vacations, at his kids’ sporting events, the endless dance recitals or just hanging out at home, Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and the people he loved. He loved to take care of those around him. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help family or friends. Many have been recipients of his compassion, generosity and love. He’ll be remembered for his kind and humorous personality. He will be deeply missed. If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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