Jim Holodak enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in September of 1952. He attended basic training at USNTC Bainbridge, Maryland and electrician school in Great Lakes Illinois. Jim then reported for Duty on board the USS Caperton (DD 650) in Newport RI. He earned his eligibility into the Veterans of Foreign Wars on a deployment off the cost of Korea in direct support of combat operations. On 27 April 1953 for the Panama Canal and duty in the Far East, arriving at Yokosuka, Japan 2 June for duty with TFs 77 and 95. With the first, The USS Caperton screened air strikes on Chinese and North Korean Communists; with the second, the USS Caperton took part in the blockade and bombardment of Korea's coast. After further hunter-killer operations off Korea, The USS Caperton sailed on 9 October to call at the Philippines, Singapore, Colombo, Suez, Cannes, and Lisbon, thus rounding the world before her return to Newport 21 May 1954. Jim achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class in October of 1954 and was Honorably Discharged. October of 1960. Jim married Veronica Jankowski April 23rd 1955 and has 7 children (4 girls and 3 boys) as well as 13 grandchildren. Veronica Passed away April 20th 1993.

Jim re-married Dawn Maron and have 4 more Grandchildren. Jim owned and operated a family owned business: Wesco Steel Drum for 50 years. Jim retired in 2000.