James H. Holt

1926 - 2009

DENISON - James H. Holt, 82 year old lawyer and retired Army officer, died Oct. 9, 2009 at his home in Denison.
James (Jim) Harmon Holt was born Nov. 21, 1926, in Bainbridge, Ga., the son of W. Harmon and Lillian Graham Holt. He grew up and lived in a Christian home until entering the U.S. Navy in 1944. In high school, he was an honor student and a member of the football, basketball, track, and tennis teams, a devoted sports participant and observer, traits which carried over after graduation. He was active in all school affairs and as a senior he was voted the most popular in his class. On finishing high school he entered Mercer University and remained there until he entered the U.S. Navy.
After completion Navy boot camp, he received an appointment to the US Military Academy, West Point. At graduation, he was commissioned in the . .Cavalry. Overseas assignments while married to his first wife, Verlee Schelske, included Germany, Korea, Hawaii, and Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Air Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel to enter law school at Baylor University, Waco. After graduation from law school, he became the chief prosecutor in Grayson County.
After his public service, he entered into private law practice and decided to concentrate most of his effort on pro bono work for the poor and needy. After some ten years as a private practitioner, he decided to hang up his shingle for general practice but continued to provide legal advice to the elderly.
After the death of his first wife, Verlee Schelske, with whom he had two children, he married Onjel Harrell who also preceded him in death. He married Dortha Hawkins in 1999 and she has survived him. Jim and Dot did considerable traveling in the United States. He considered himself a naturalized Texan and decided to see the great state of Texas to confirm his standing. He and Dot visited every county courthouse, some 254, in Texas and became acquainted with the entire state.
Jim was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, a Mason with 32nd Degree, a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite bodies, and the Shrine temple of Dallas, a member of the American legion. Throughout his life, Jim exhibited a quiet determination to accomplish his missions. He was a dutiful son, caring brother and a good father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Dortha Holt of Denison; one son, James H. Holt Jr., Pastor of Comfort Baptist Church and wife, Janice, one daughter, Pamela Krehbiel and husband Leslie Krehbiel of Columbia, Mo.; step-children Alan Hawkins, Mark Hawkins, Craig Bates, Greg Sager and Lyn and Lee Kellogg. Survivors also include grandchildren, Thomas Holt, Dr. Jeff Holt and Sarah, Daniel Holt and Gina, Joanna Krehbiel; step-grandchildren Dusty Hawkins, Jared Hawkins and Lindsey, Heather and Brandi Hawkins, James Hawkins, Matthew Holt Kellogg and Adrienne, Zach Sager and Kevin Bates; great-grandchildren Jack Graham Holt, Spencer Brett James Holt and step-great-grandchild Christian Hawkins. Also surviving are brothers William Holt and family of McMurray, Pa., and Robert (Bob) Holt and wife, Tallahassee, Fla.
Jim was member of the Twin Cities Baptist Church following a longtime membership in the Bainbridge (Ga.) First Baptist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison with Rev. Jim Holt, Jr. and Rev. Douglas Grissom officiating. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. at a date to be determined.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Bratcher Funeral Home in Denison. For further information, please call the funeral home at (903) 465-2323, or for an online obituary, directions or to leave a condolence, please go to www.bratcherfuneralhome.com.