Shivangi Sinha
ABC’s ‘20/20: You Took My Daughter’ and Dateline’s ‘The Trouble in Bardstown’ explore the case of Holley Wimunc, an Army nurse who was killed by her estranged husband, John Wimunc, in June 2008. The episode includes insights from several of Holley’s friends who knew her well. One of the most emotional reflections comes from her father, Jesse James, who opened up about his daughter’s life and the profound impact her death had on their family. Since then, he has become a vocal advocate against domestic violence while speaking out in his daughter’s memory.
Jesse James Spoke to His Daughter a Few Days Before She Went Missing
Jesse James, who raised his family in Louisiana, had a background in the US military. He brought up his children, including his daughter Holley, with the same values he lived by, which were loyalty, discipline, and devotion to their country. In June 2008, when Jesse first learned that Holley was missing, he was in disbelief but immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. When police later confirmed that her remains had been found, his world fell apart. He recalled that just a few days before her disappearance, Holley had told him that her divorce from John Wimunc was going to be “nasty.”
James later shared that he hadn’t realized the full extent of his daughter’s situation or the alleged domestic abuse she had endured. He sent his son, Col. Jesse James, who also served in the Marines, to North Carolina to retrieve Holley’s remains and bring them home to Dubuque, Iowa, where the family lived. They organized a large funeral to honor Holley’s life and memory. Afterward, James dedicated himself to advocacy, working to bring his daughter’s story to light. He became a strong voice against domestic violence and spoke out about the need to improve how the military addresses domestic abuse and sexual assault among its personnel.
Jesse James Has Long Been an Advocate Against Domestic Abuse
In 1994, Jesse James moved to Dubuque, Iowa, after being appointed as the Dean of Admissions at the University of Dubuque. Known for his approachable nature, he was well-regarded by students and colleagues alike. Following Holley’s death, he became deeply involved in advocacy work, collaborating with local political leaders to push for change. His efforts led to the introduction of the Holley Lynn James Act in Congress in 2011. Although the legislation did not pass, it brought national attention to the issue of domestic violence within the military and raised important questions about how such cases are handled.
Jesse remained a central figure in promoting awareness and reform through his continued advocacy. In one of the interviews, he said, “I didn’t know much about domestic violence. But the thought that he would murder Holley is a thought that never occurred to me. I wish it had occurred to me. I wish for one moment I would have thought maybe he’ll kill Holley or murder Holley. My reaction would have been so different. I didn’t know about domestic violence.”
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Jesse James is Professionally Retired Today
Jesse James and his wife, Kandi, have made their home in Dubuque, Iowa, while also maintaining a residence in Florida and dividing their time between the two locations. They have an adorable little dog named Beemer, who is like a little kid to them. In Dubuque, Jesse remains a well-loved and active member of the community, known for his humility and willingness to speak out on issues that matter. A proud veteran, he continues to advocate for fellow servicemen and women, often using his voice to bring attention to causes close to his heart. Though officially retired since 2017, Jesse hasn’t slowed down in spirit.
He simply enjoys life at a gentler pace now. His days are filled with the simple joys of conversation, long walks, and the company of friends who have become like family. Family has always been at the center of Jesse’s world. His daughter, Linda James, shares a special connection with him, as do his other children and his many grandchildren, who fill his home with laughter and life. Yet, there isn’t a single day that passes that Holley isn’t on his mind. Her memory lingers in his stories and he has made sure to honor them in every wya he can.
