James Holt

1935 - 2025

James "Jim" Holt, 90, passed away surrounded by family on August 21, 2025, at his home in Black River Falls, WI. Jim was born on June 22, 1935, to Edward Earl and Bertha Albina (Putzel) Holt in Greenwood, WI. He graduated from Loyal High School.

He was married to Cheryl Ann Mabie on March 16, 1957, in Neillsville, WI. The couple initially lived in Neillsville, where they built their first home. After Jim became a Wisconsin State Trooper, a career he was enormously proud of, the couple lived in Arlington and Camp Douglas before settling in Black River Falls in 1967. In 2007, Jim and Cheryl celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends.

Jim was a man of many talents and interests. He and a friend taught themselves to fly a plane in the fields of rural Wisconsin. However, the pair faced a temporary grounding after being observed attempting to fly between a field and highline wires. Jim also took part in Golden Gloves boxing. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, watching, and participating in sports. Jim was quick-witted and always full of stories, some of which were even true. He loved to laugh and joke; he had what one niece described as a Hollywood smile. Jim was a longtime member of the Black River Falls Lions Club. In 2015, Jim received the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated service to humanitarian causes.

His career choices were as varied as his interests. While living in Neillsville, Jim ran for local office. He was employed as a milkman for Dolly Madison and worked part-time as a game warden. During his time with the State Troopers, Jim had the honor of serving as the chauffeur for two Wisconsin governors.

In 1973, Jim and Cheryl bought the Black River Falls Gambles Store and established a car wash, which they ran until 1982. Later, Jim had a long and successful career as an insurance agent for the Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Jim served on the Black River Country Bank Board for many years, even after retiring from Rural Insurance.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl; daughter, Shelley Melde; son-in-law, Gary Melde; parents; siblings, Elizabeth "Bette" Wilsmann and Richard "Dick" Holt; brothers-in-law, Robert "Bob" G. Wilsmann and Steve Ivalis; and nephew, Jonathon Kroll.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Sherry (Tom Harnish) Holt of La Crosse and Amy Holt of Holmen; 4 grandchildren, Brandon Oreskovich, Leah Raye Ann Melde, Autumn Rose Holt, and Daniel Bartelson; 4 great grandchildren, Cafourek Oreskovich, Iyoney Oreskovich, Trieghten Oreskovich, and Atlas Bartelson; 2 bonus great grandchildren, Carmen Schroeder and Braxton Huntington; 2 sisters-in law, Mary Jean (Merlyn) Kroll and Kay Ivalis; brother-in-law, Steve (Maryjane) Mabie; 4 nieces, Barbara Wilsmann Decorah, Marianna Kroll, Tara Ormond, and Heather Murphy; 3 nephews, Robert "Bob" J. Wilsmann, Nathan Kroll, and Stacy Holt; and sister-in-law, Dixie Holt.

A funeral service for Jim will be held at 12:00 p.m. on August 29, 2025, at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls with Pastor Jennifer Hatleli officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be held in the Neillsville City Cemetery.

The family prefers memorials to the Black River Falls Lions Club or the Jackson County Wildlife Fund.

Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.