April 19, 1943 – September 18, 2026
Edward James “Ned” Holland, Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Ned was born in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 1943, to Jane Murdock Holland and Edward James Holland. He grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, as the oldest of six children alongside his siblings, Mary Holland Schmidt, Jim Holland, Jack Holland, Bill Holland (1951 to 2024) and Jan Holland Stacy. As their big brother, Ned was a guiding light to the Holland family.
Ned attended St. John’s Seminary High School and Rockhurst College before earning his law degree from Boston College Law School. Following graduation, he returned to Kansas City and joined the law firm Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, where he practiced labor law. He later held leadership positions in human resources at Payless Cashways, Sprint Corporation and Embarq Corporation. He also served in Washington, D.C., as an Assistant Secretary with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
While building a highly respected law practice and throughout his distinguished career, Ned was deeply committed to the civic and charitable communities of Kansas City. He served on numerous boards of directors, including Truman Medical Center, the Kansas City, Missouri School District, the Kansas Health Policy Authority, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Citizens’ Association, the City Planning Commission of Kansas City, the Kansas City TIF Commission and the Roanoke Homes Association, as well as many other community, charitable and health care organizations.
Ned is survived by his wife of seventeen years, Bridget Compton, and daughters, Lia Compton and Cari Compton.
He is also survived by his children, Leanne Holland Beezley and her husband Brett; Sarah Lynn Henley; and E.J. Holland III and his wife Erin; their mother, Joyce Granquist Holland; and their six grandchildren, Will Beezley, Abby Henley, Logan Henley, Hank Holland, Hattie Holland and E.J. “Bear” Holland IV.
Ned was also a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews, who benefited from his example and the important role he played in the Holland family.
Ned loved athletic competition throughout his life. He spent many afternoons playing tennis at Rockhill Tennis Club and The Carriage Club, continuing a love of sports that began during his grade school years at St. Ann Catholic School and lasted through retirement. Ned was shooting three-pointers at St. John’s before there were three-pointers!
Ned will be remembered for his leadership, his commitment to Kansas City, his competitive spirit and the lasting example he set for his family.
A private family interment will be held at historic Elmwood Cemetery later in October. Memorial contributions may be made to University Health Foundation at uhkcgiving.org.
