John “Jay” W. Holford

John (Jay) William Holford, age 95, passed to heaven on December 20, 2025. He was born in Orange, California on February 16, 1930, and moved to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1986. Jay served his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1950 to 1951, demonstrating dedication and patriotism early in life. He retired as CEO from Seald Sweet Growers, Inc., Vero Beach, Florida, in 1994, concluding a remarkable career.

Professional Life

Jay’s career spanned over 40 years in the fruit and vegetable business, with a particular focus on the citrus industry. He was a well-known and respected member of multiple community and business organizations and held leadership roles in many of them. Jay was recognized for his hard work and dedication, consistently contributing to the industry and community. Despite his professional responsibilities, he always made time for his family and personal interests.

Personal Life and Interests

Jay enjoyed spending time outdoors sharing his love of fishing and golf with his children. In his later years, he took up woodworking, creating many practical gifts for his family. Although Jay did not seek the spotlight, his long years of fatherly love deserve to be honored. He was a man of nurturing guidance, love, kindness, integrity, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Community Involvement

Jay was a member of Community Church in Vero Beach, Florida. He also volunteered over 2,000 hours of service for the Indian River Medical Center hospital and was a bell ringer for The Salvation Army of Vero Beach, Florida, reflecting his commitment to helping others.

Family

Jay met and married Millicent (Mickey) E. Tedford in 1960, and together they had five children.  They enjoyed a happy and full life together until Mickey’s passing in 1998. Later, knowing he didn’t want to spend his remaining years alone, Jay met and married Eleanor Good in 2001. Dad’s second marriage brought much love, happiness and joy back into his life. Jay was blessed that two of the most wonderful women in the whole wide world chose him to be their husband. He took great pride in being a dedicated husband and father to his blended family of four daughters, four sons, twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter.

Jay is Survived by: Eleanor Holford, Sandra (Sandie) J. Trevino, Teresa (Terry) L. Bias, John M. Holford (Cyndy), James (Jim) A. Holford (Brenda), Catherine (Cathy) Rossmell (Joe), Matthew Good, Mark Good (Connie)

Grandchildren: Stephanie Vandever, Cameron Holford, Joel Rossmell (Jenn), Adam Rossmell (Kathryn), Stacey Good Collins, Cody Good, Jessica Good Lopez, Michael Good (Mady), Mitchell Good, Laurie Agri, Michael Agri. Great Grandchildren: Jalyn Rossmell, Jarren Rossmell, Ethan Rossmell, Bindy Collins, Ember Collins, Noah Lopez, Molly Bashaw and Bradley Adams and Great-great grandchild: Audrey Bashaw.

Jay was preceded in death by: Millicent E. Holford (wife), Jennifer A. Holford (daughter), Sean M. Vandever (grandson)

The family has chosen to hold a Celebration of Life, in the near future, to honor Jay’s life.

Memorial Donations may be made to the following organizations that were dear to Jays heart.

Salvation Army

2655 5th St SW

Vero Beach, FL 32962

Make A Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley

1801 S 2nd St, Suite 405

McAllen, TX 78503

St Jude Children’s Hospital

www.stjude.org

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.