James Holloway is a born and bred Templetonian, whose family came to the town in the early 1900s.  A product of the local schools, and now a full-time student at Cal Poly, pursuing a teaching credential, Jim has continued to pursue his first love, music.  He could read music at a very young age before he could read words. At the age of six he started his singing career as a treble. By the time he was nine, he was playing the organ for Bethel Lutheran Church.
   He studied organ with internationally-renowned  master organists Diane Bish and John Fenstermaker. The latter was president of the American Guild of Organists (AAOG) and organ/choirmaster at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, where Jim has occasionally filled in as organist.  Jim is an Associate Member of the  AAGO , and professionally a member of the Royal College of Organists, the Royal College of Canadian Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians, and Association of Lutheran Musicians, all of which are by invitation only.  As well, he is a member of the Choral Conductors of America. 
   Jim has sung professionally with the San Francisco Bach Choir, the San Francisco Opera Chorus, Lamplighters, and several other groups.   As a counter tenor, he sang baroque music with some of the most respected vocal and orchestral groups in this country.  He also participated in several radio broadcasts and sang several recitals in Europe.  He was the tenor soloist for Carmen Dragon with whom he made several tours.
   He has shared his valuable musical career and expertise with the community when he formed the North Couty Baroque Ensemble.  This  professional group has performed gratis for many groups, including the many years they would entertain Plymouth Pilgrims at their Christmas dinner with their wonderful Christmas music.
He was hired by Plymouth Congregational Church in 2002 as  director of music. Through his musical acumen and teaching skills, he has raised the level of the church's music to new levels.  His musical expertise is ex calibur;  however, outstanding among his strengths all are his organisation of and enthusiam for the wonderful music he chooses, and his patience and sense of humour  These are essential attributes to reach those with a limited musical background.
   The congregation is immensely grateful for his musical leadership and "personable personality."