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RIDGELAND, Miss. — Holmes Community College is mourning the loss of former culinary arts student Ethan Cole Oxley of Brandon, son of John Oxley and Lori Oxley, who died on Nov. 27 after battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was born July 25, 1999.
Oxley graduated from Jackson Prep, where he was known as a true friend and a steady, thoughtful presence among his classmates. He could often be found working diligently on his laptop in the school’s library cubicle area alongside his closest friends. He enjoyed playing online PC games, taking long drives through the countryside and watching stand-up comedy, always searching for a good laugh. Friends at Jackson Prep nicknamed him “Oxman,” a name that reflected his resilience, sense of humor and steady confidence.
After graduating from Prep, Oxley enrolled at Holmes on the Ridgeland Campus and joined the Culinary Arts Technology program. He quickly became known for his work ethic and passion for cooking. He was an active member of SkillsUSA, representing Holmes at the 2023 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in the culinary arts division after winning first place in the SkillsUSA Mississippi state contest. In addition to his extracurricular achievements, Oxley earned academic recognition on the President’s List in the spring of 2023 for his outstanding scholastic performance.
Oxley also attended the Mississippi Coding Academy, which offers a six-month software development program integrating training in AI, XR (Extended Reality), drones, robotics, cybersecurity and IT support. The program prepares students for immediate employment in the tech industry, addressing both local and global workforce needs.
Before his passing, Oxley continued pursuing his culinary dreams at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, part of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he was working toward a Bachelor of Science in culinary arts.
“Ethan had a genuine love for culinary arts and was pursuing his bachelor’s degree after graduating from Holmes,” said Chef Alexei Harrison, Oxley’s instructor at Holmes. “There is no doubt with his determination and work ethic that he would go far in our industry. Ethan was a joy to teach and always had a sarcastic wit about him to keep things fun. His classmates and I will miss him terribly and send the deepest condolences to his family.”
Oxley’s interests were as rich and varied as his personality. He loved the beach, good seafood and videogames. His favorite movie was “The Shawshank Redemption,” and one of his favorite shows was “The Office.” In school, programming was the subject that came most naturally to him.
Holmes extends its deepest condolences to the Oxley family and joins them in honoring Ethan’s life, accomplishments and the lasting impact he made on those around him.
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