Adam (back right) with friends

Portsmouth – Joseph Adam Holland, 29, of the 200 block of Hodges Manor Rd. died peacefully Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Adam grew up as a deck hand on the Elizabeth River Ferry where he went on to become one of its captains. Later, he captained the Virginia Jewell where he married Sherri Linn Williams. He left the water to start his own business, but the water called once more and he had the honor of engineering on the U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht, docked in Washington D.C.

Adam received his mariners license when he was only 19 and throughout his career, worked for many companies lending his expertise as a boat captain, 1st mate, mechanic, and entrepreneur. Adam was skilled and talented beyond his years on the water. He has now gone to join his stepfather Rick Benton and beloved cat Trucker.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Linn Williams Holland; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Borum Ketchum and husband Ronald; his father, Joseph Holland and wife Johnna; a grandmother, Rosa Kittrell; a sister, Summer Marie Holland; a stepsister, Amy Lynn Wilburn and husband Earnest; three step brothers, Nicholas, Kain and Damon; a step grandfather, Carlton Ketchum; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew and friends.

This was sent to me by a very special friend, Kristin, whose daughter, Reese is a CF superstar… she missed Adam dearly with all her heart…