Taking fill-in jobs at the bank during the summer vacation introduced him to what the banking business might be like after college, but a war in Korea would alter his plans.

James spent two years in service during the Korean War. His memory of those years recalls duty as a Company Commander at Fort Jackson, South Carolina---a memory shared with thousands of other American boys who saw service under the ‘tank hill’ army flag.

While serving in the Army, Jim married Peggy Shannon from Tuscaloosa---the daughter of a college professor. Their family grew with two girls, Betsy ( Walker) and Shannon (Hayslip). Betsy resides in Marietta, GA, and Shannon, in Birmingham.

When James Hollis, Jr. returned in the 1950’s from his tour of duty with the Army, he entered banking with the job of assistant cashier. From that post, he began to learn what an integral part of life the banker can be, and as he worked his way through years as cashier and vice president toward the presidency of the bank, he never lost sight of how important that role was to a growing community. He adapted the bank to the changing times, always keeping a step ahead and building the bank’s customer base. His retired father continued regular daily visits to the bank to see his friends and the bank progress. The senior Hollis died in 2001 at the age of 97.

James Hollis saw an opportunity in 1993 to purchase The Ramer Bank from Amsouth Bancorporation. He felt it would be a perfect match as a sister bank to The Brantley Bank. Certain economies could be gained by consolidation of the two that would extend opportunities of customer service within the area. Hollis looks back on that moment as a ‘most successful day’, when everyone won.

Hollis, a 47 year banking veteran, is obviously pleased with the experienced staff and management of the two banks. Currently, the Brantley Bank has thirteen employees and the Ramer operation has four. There also seems to be is no doubt that the bank offers a pleasant environment with very little turnover---most employees having been on board for about 20 years.

He also notes with pride that theirs was the first bank in the county to have named a woman as a bank officer. Vice President Maxine Rayburn has now been with the bank for over 40 years.

Both Ramer and Brantley enjoy advantages of independent banking that is truly home owned with 46 stockholders, 23 of which are female. James points out that the growth of his banking company as been steady and right on target. In 1956 the bank enjoyed one million dollars in assets. Today, total assets for Brantley and Ramer are $54 million.

Jim Hollis notes that during these years we’ve seen the local economy change from one that was principally agriculture related to one that is involved with diversified business and services. He knows that Alabama is urging business to locate here, and local officials stay busy making this particular area look inviting. One hope is that a Hyundai plant might spur the location for parts distributor manufacturers in the area, which could create up to 450 new jobs. This move would stimulate the entire economy, including banking and telephone growth, and for dozens of other business opportunities as well as throughout the economic chain.

When asked about our economy as a whole, James thinks that the recovery may be a bit slower than we would like; but it will improve. Wall Street trading will definitely improve and we’ll see stock growth—but maybe not quickly. He points out that investors lost confidence due to scandals in several major companies, but considered that the market has a way of “healing” itself in time. He says he has faith that the American people will bring about their own recovery.

James has always been active in his community. As a reservist, he helped organize the local National Guard unit in 1956 and served as its commander for almost three years. Governor Albert Brewer named him to the Alabama State Banking Board; he is a graduate of the LSU Banking School of the South in 1964; an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and was named Crenshaw “Man of the Year”. James is past county chair of the American Heart Association, involved in the Relay for Life, and other charitable efforts. He has been active in or a member of such organizations as the American Bankers Association, the Independent Bank Association and the National Independent Association of Banking.

He is a past president of the Brantley Rotary Club. He now attends the Luverne Rotary. He served 24 years on the Board of Education and 8 years on the Brantley City Council. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

He smiles easily when he speaks of less serious things and his hobbies. He enjoys quail and hunting dove, and at one time Tennessee Walking Horses. He likes Alabama football enough to follow them to the Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, last year, and doesn’t miss too many games.

Any story about James Hollis cannot be complete without reference to his nickname, “Goat”. When called by that name, he will answer. He is not offended. It seems that as a five-year- old, an uncle gave him with a wagon pulled by a goat. He loved this fun transportation, and was in it constantly. He was greeted by, “ Howdy, Mr. Goat” so often the name has been his since, and old college chums still speak highly of “Goat” Hollis.

James and Peggy enjoy five grandchildren, now aged 5 to 21. There is a great deal of pride concerning grandson Stuart Mash, Jr. who is with the U.S. Marines in Iraq. Stuart is a Lance Corporal of a Marine mortar platoon involved in the capture of Baghdad where he remains on duty.

A sister to Stuart is Margaret, a 19 year old student at Duke University. The Hayslip children are Max, Meg and Lee.

As for the relationship between the Ramer Bank and MonCre, James Hollis says “They are our customers and we are theirs. Together we provide the services that our community needs. It’s a natural .” For additional information on the system, you might want to check out their web site: www.Brantleybank.com