Missing Warren soldier's family express relief, gratitude his remains returned

WARREN

The family of Warren Korean War Army veteran, Pfc. James R. Holmes, declared missing in action Dec. 1, 1950, are at peace now that his remains are home at last.

“We are ecstatic,” said his sister, Martha Jane Price of Northridge, Calif. He has been gone 63 years,” said the 1950 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.

James’ siblings, who grew up on Warren’s east side, are traveling to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where his remains will be buried with full military honors next Thursday. He will receive the Purple Heart and several other military decorations.

“When you have a loved one missing, you want to know where he is and what happened. Nothing could keep me away [from the ceremony],” said James’ younger brother, Clifford Holmes of Warren, who attended Harding and served in the Army from 1958 to 1960.

“He is finally coming home. The Army didn’t give up on it,” he said.

James was serving with Co. K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, when he was lost Dec. 1 in North Korea. He was 18.

Read more about soldier and his service in Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.