Let’s talk about Fixer Upper, the show that felt like a warm hug every time you watched it. You know, the one that brought us unforgettable characters like Jimmy Don Holmes? If you’re anything like me, you probably remember this metal craftsman as the guy who added that special touch to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ stunning renovations. Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving deep into what happened to this talented craftsman after the show wrapped.
Jimmy Don Holmes wasn’t just a recurring face on Fixer Upper; he was a key player in making those dream homes a reality. From 2013 to 2018, Jimmy Don worked his magic by crafting stunning metal pieces for the Gaines’ projects. His designs weren’t just functional—they were works of art that added personality to every space. But how did he become part of the Fixer Upper family? As Jimmy Don shared on his website, it all started with a simple sign he made for some local business owners who happened to be friends with Chip and Joanna.
“I had just finished a sign for some Waco business owners who are friends with Chip and Joanna,” Jimmy Don recalled. “Not long after, they were eating dinner together when Joanna expressed the need to have a ‘go-to’ metal art person for signs and cutouts, etc. The couple was instantly like ‘Oh! You [got to] call Jimmy Don Holmes in Crawford!’ And the rest is history.” That’s how one small job turned into a long-lasting collaboration that would change his life forever.
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One of Jimmy Don’s most memorable projects came in January 2018 when he worked with the Gaines couple to renovate his son Jake’s cabin in Crawford, Texas. This wasn’t just any old renovation—it was personal. The cabin, nestled on Jimmy Don’s property, needed a complete makeover. And guess who made a special appearance during this episode? Former First Lady Laura Bush! Jimmy Don had worked with the Bush family before, so this collaboration was extra meaningful. Joanna and her daughters even visited the Bush family’s tree farm to pick out a tree to plant in front of Jake’s home. The final reveal? Absolutely stunning.
Fast forward to today, and Jimmy Don is still going strong. After Fixer Upper ended in 2018, Jake moved out of the renovated cabin to find a bigger place for him and his wife. Instead of letting the space go to waste, Jimmy Don and his wife Lori Holmes decided to turn it into a vacation rental with Chip and Joanna’s blessing. Smart move, right? It’s like giving that beautiful renovation a second life.
But Jimmy Don’s story doesn’t end there. He’s continued to run his business, JDH Iron Designs, and it’s thriving. These days, he’s just as active on social media, sharing photos of his latest creations and meet-and-greets at his Waco location. The fame from the show has been a game-changer for him, allowing him to pursue his passion for metalwork on an even bigger scale.
Reflecting on his career, Jimmy Don shared on his website, “It’s been a really fun way to make a living, and I wouldn’t choose a different career if I could go back in time.” That’s the kind of sentiment that reminds us why we fell in love with him in the first place. Jimmy Don Holmes isn’t just a craftsman; he’s a storyteller who brings heart and soul to everything he creates.