Jeremy Holden 1976-2023

Jeremy was born in Youngstown, and moved to Columbus to earn a degree in American history from The Ohio State University, before becoming a journalist for the Daily Reporter newspaper.

In Columbus, he met the love of his life, Abby Boor, a fellow Buckeye, whom he wed Sept. 20, 2014.

Jeremy moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a master’s degree from the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, where he later spent six years as an adjunct professor of research methodology.

In 2007, he became the research director for Media Matters for America, a progressive research and information center. During his nearly eight years there, he led a 40-person media war room researching and fact-checking the narrative in national print, broadcast and online media.

Jeremy also oversaw creating and implementing the organization’s editorial strategy, and regularly appeared in television and on radio. That led him to host a weekly, three-hour public affairs Sirius XM radio show focused on national politics and media criticism.

Jeremy became director of mission communications for the ALS Association in 2017, and he continued to excel in that position after he and Abby decided in 2019 to leave the D.C. area and relocate to Holly Springs, N.C.

At ALS, Jeremy worked to foster awareness and advocacy of the fatal disease and help raise much-needed funds for ALS research and care. He also hosted the “Connecting ALS” podcast.

He and Abby adopted two beloved standard schnauzers, Sophie and Otto, and became involved in canine performance competitions. The Holdens also joined a standard schnauzer club after adopting Sophie, and Jeremy served as the editor of the newsletter, allowing his media and storytelling skills to transcend species.

In addition to his wife, Jeremy is survived by his mother, Nonie; father, Ray (Alison Maier); brothers, Aaron and Ryan; and uncle, Gary Kinn (Margaret).

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Louise Kinn, and James Edward Sr. and Francis Marie Sweeney; his father-in-law, David Boor; and sister-in-law, Sarah Boor Bennett.

A memorial luncheon service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at The Club at 12 Oaks, 2004 Green Oaks Parkway, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540. Family and friends will be at the club until 3 p.m., sharing memories and celebrating Jeremy’s life.

An Ohio memorial service will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Kidstone Pavilion at Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509.

A scholarship fund will be created at Austintown Fitch High School in Jeremy’s name, to support journalism-focused education. More information will be shared at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to benefit Jeremy and Abby’s adored nephews, Seth and Jude, https://gofund.me/3da291e2.

(special notice)