James Holyer came to St. Mark's in September, 2008. He received his bachelor’s degree in music and English from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and his Masters in Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He has served Episcopal churches in Dallas, Baltimore and, most recently, Dalton, Georgia. He grew up in the Lutheran church, but began to feel the call to ministry in the Episcopal church during his time at Sewanee. In addition to his passion for the music of the church, he has a wide range of interest in other types of music which he enjoys pursuing in his spare time. He also enjoys spending time with his family, reading, anything in the outdoors, trips to North Carolina, and pretending to be "handy" around the house and yard. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Jacob and Louisa.