James Richard Holt

1919 - 2011

James Richard Holt, 92, of Metropolis, and formerly of Jacksonville, died Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis.
He was born March 12, 1919, in Hamletsburg, the son of James Harley and Exa Riffie Lagore Holt. He married Ethel Pauline Garner on June 22, 1939, in Jacksonville, and she preceded him in death Feb. 26, 1999. He married Nellie Mae Johnston McCormick on Nov. 25, 2000, and she survives.
Mr. Holt is also survived by one daughter, Linda Lou (husband, Larry) Beeley of Jacksonville; two sons, Rev. James Harley (wife, Mary) Holt of Jacksonville and Jimmie Richard (wife, Eun) Holt of Springfield; 13 grandchildren, Rev. Brian (wife, Becky) Holt of Topeka, Kan., Rhonda (husband, Harold) Day of Cincinnati, Marcie (husband, Rev. Gene) Kaufman of Augusta, Kan., Jamie (husband, Rev. Randy) Baxter of Battle Creek, Mich., Rick (companion, Linda Cox) Holt of Greenfield, Pam Spears of Anderson, S.C., Randy (wife, Phoebe) Holt of Falling Waters, W.Va., Kim (husband, Dick) Stout of Murrayville, Robert (wife, Rosalee) Kennedy Jr. of Springfield, Patrick Kennedy of Apple Valley, Minn., Lori (husband, Rob) Lyman of Waverly, Jason Holt of Springfield and Hyon Ha of San Antonio; 25 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three stepdaughters, Carrol (husband, Lyndell) Horstman of Metropolis, Annette (husband, David) Terry of Atoka, Tenn., and Betty (husband, Rick) Diles of Metropolis; one sister, Belle Borum of Metropolis; one brother, Harley Holt of Del City, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Rev. Douglas Holt (surviving wife, Gayla of Wichita, Kan.); one stepdaughter, Regena Hertter (surviving husband, G. H. of Metropolis); one sister, Ruby Brannan; and two brothers, Dick Holt and Theodore Holt (surviving wife, Frances of Thomson, Ga.).
Mr. Holt came to Jacksonville from Metropolis in 1936 to work with the Civil Conservation Corps, and remained there until World War II broke out. He later worked for the Majestic Theatre in Jacksonville and as an ice cream maker for Spatz's Ice Cream. He later became involved in the local business community as owner and operator of several gasoline stations, including Shell, Sinclair and Skelly stations in Jacksonville. Before retiring, Mr. Holt worked as a receiving clerk at Midland Farm and Home. Mr. Holt was a member of the Church of Christ. He enjoyed working outside gardening, mowing and pushing snow with his tractor. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. today at Murrayville Cemetery. The family met friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Williamson Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.