Born in Detroit on Jun. 12, 1875, James Stanbury Holden was the son of Edward G. and Jean Stansbury Holden. His father was editorial writer of the Detroit Post; his mother was an artist and one of the founders of the Detroit Institute of Arts. James Holden attended Central High School and the Michigan Agricultural College. He married Agnes Lynelle Anderson on June 10, 1916. At an early age he entered the real estate business, and until 1941 was a member of Holden & Reaume. From 905 to 1907 he was a member of the Detroit Board of Estimates, and from 1917 to 1918 was a member of the Detroit Common Council. During World War I Holden became a major in the Army General Staff in charge of the real estate section, selecting sites for cantonments. After the War Mr. Holden became a member and president of the Detroit City Planning Commission. In 1924 he was appointed Zoological Park Commissioner. He also served as president of William S. Holden Company and directory of Grand Lawn Cemetery, Peoples Wayne County Bank, First National Bank, Detroit Edison, Burroughs Adding Machine Company and others. He was also a member of the Detroit Club, Detroit Athletic Club, Yondotega Club and Grosse Pointe County Club. James S. Holden died on April 17, 1967.
From the description of James S. Holden papers, 1898-1964. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 309232894
