Community Mourns John Holmes, Advocate for Equitable Urban Planning
Tribute ride planned for late cycling enthusiast on Friday night
Many in Charlotte were saddened this week to learn about the sudden death of John Holmes III, a tireless advocate for safer cycling and pedestrian infrastructure among other equitable urban planning causes.
Holmes passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, Dec. 29. He was survived by his wife, Nashaly Ruiz-Gonzalez, their young daughter, and Holmes’ mother and sister, who live in South Carolina where he was born.
“John was always a shining example of putting your money where your mouth is and working towards building a better city,” Ruiz-Gonzalez wrote in a public Facebook post from Holmes’ account on Monday. “He moved to Charlotte with no expectations and grew to love, cherish, and really foster the city and make it his own. I know he meant a lot to so many people. I don’t have the words to express what it means to lose him.”
Holmes made headlines in January 2022 when he publicly opposed a rezoning that would allow for the opening of a drive-thru-only Chick-fil-A despite his own position as operations manager at another Chick-fil-A location. He was fired for speaking out about the car-centric plan.
He went on to co-found the Charlotte Urbanists, an advocacy organization centered on tactical urbanism including building benches at bus stops in underserved areas where no seating was available. He most recently worked as a community engagement officer for Civility Localized, a Charlotte-based community engagement firm.
Civility Localized founder Christine Edwards Pitkin said she will remember Holmes’ contagious smile, which reminded her that work could be fun. She called Holmes “a caring, attentive and professional leader” with “the perfect personality for community engagement.”
“His sincerity is what I will remember most about John,” she added. “He was so sincere about every interaction with community members … The amount of care that he gave to each individual resident, I will never forget.”
City leaders also spoke about Holmes’ community advocacy in light of his death this week.
“He was such a bright light across Charlotte — a husband, father, veteran, and passionate transit advocate who gave so much to our community,” wrote Marjorie Molina, the Charlotte City Council rep for District 5 in east Charlotte, where Holmes was a longtime resident before his recent move.
“[His] unwavering service & dedication to our city & its people will forever be remembered. He believed in creating a more equitable, connected community & lived that mission every single day. His legacy will continue to inspire me & others.”
District 1 rep Dante Anderson also paid tribute on social media, writing, “So incredibly saddened to learn about [John Holmes’] passing. Not only was he passionate about the city of Charlotte, he had a great sense of humor. I enjoyed talking to him about policy & transportation.”
Holmes’ loved ones set up a GoFundMe this week to help with expenses related to his funeral, moving his family and ongoing care for his daughter. His fellow cycling enthusiasts will hold a tribute ride in his honor on Friday night, meeting at First Ward Park at 6:45 p.m.
A service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home in Matthews followed by a celebration of life in which friends, family and loved ones will share stories about Holmes.
