John Holmes, 87, renowned cardiologist, died Saturday of complications from the disease he helped others fight all his professional life.
He was at UC Medical Center for treatment at the time of his death.
He was known as the “father of cardiology” — a pioneer in his field — in Northern Kentucky, having more than 59 years of diverse experiences in cardiovascular disease and cardiac surgery. He founded Cardiology Associates in 1980, which specializes in diagnosis, treatment and management of cardiac and vascular disease. His name appears on the main wall of the entrance of the Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Edgewood, along with his friend and fellow pioneer, Dr. Raymond Will. They were tennis-playing friends as well as colleagues.
Holmes grew up in Northern Kentucky and was a 1946 graduate of Belleve High School. His parents lived in Newport, Ft. Thomas and Bellevue.
He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine with honors and started consulting in NKy in the early 1970s and soon became part of the medical staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the former St. Luke Hospitals.
In 1980, Dr. Holmes opened the first cardiology practice in Northern Kentucky and established the cardiac catheterization lab, echocardiology program, cardiac stress program and cardiac rehabilitation program at St. Elizabeth.
“He was truly a remarkable man who believed strongly in his community and supported it through his work and his philanthropy,” said Larry Warkoczeski, vice president of St. Elizabeth Foundation.
“Dr. Holmes was a forward-thinking physician and philanthropist who knew many of our patients, associates, physicians and community members,” said Garren Colvin, president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “He provided extraordinary heart care to thousands of people in Northern Kentucky and at St. Elizabeth and was tirelessly devoted to creating a healthier region.”
Colvin added that Dr. Holmes deserved thanks for “unwavering commitment and service to our community and to the St. Elizabeth team.”
Colvin said that Dr. Holmes continued to work parttime even at age 87 and would often say, “I don’t know what I could do if I wasn’t working.”
He was affiliated with St. Elizabeth Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Physicians.
“Dr. Holmes was a pioneer in the development of the heart program at St. Elizabeth,” said Mer Grayson, retired president of Central Bank who served for many years on the St. Elizabeth board. “He practiced his art long after most physicians were retired because of his love of his profession and the community.
“In later years he became a philanthropist.
“The first time I met Dr. Holmes was in 1970 when he took care of my father who had suffered a heart attack. Under John Holmes’ skilled hands, he made a full recovery.”
Over the course of his career, Dr. Holmes would implant 7,500 pacemakers. He worked part-time until his death.
He was known for his collegiality as well as his skill and dedication.
His wife, Judith “Judy” Holmes, an RN, died in 2012.
Visitation Middendorf Funeral Home on Madison Pike in Ft. Wright 4-8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 a.m.Thursday. Other details will appear as available at NKyTribune’s Obituary page.
Your devotion allowed myself and many others a second chance. Thanks will never be enough. RIP doc
So sorry to hear about dr.Holmes he was my doctor for many years I loved him dearly he will be miss a lot my heart goes out for his family you are all in my prayers I think the last time we talk his two daughters had taken on a trip he really love his daughters
October 25, 2015
So sorry to hear about John’s death. I was lucky enough to work with him for at least 10 years before I had to retire. We put in many a pacemaker in those days. He used to bring one of his daughters to the coronary unit while he made his rounds. She was only about 6 at the time. You definitely will be missed by 100’s of people. An Ave Maria for you John.