Joseph Norman "Jack" Holder

Jack Holder of Chandler, Arizona, a Navy WWII Pearl Harbor Survivor passed away peacefully at the age of 101 after a brief illness on 24 February 2023.
The son of WWI Veteran John and Margaret Holder, he was born in Gunter, TX, in 1921 and raised on a farm in Proffitt, Texas with his parents in a small 4-room house built by his father during the Great Depression. Hoping to rise above it, Jack set his sights on flying. The inspiration came from his maternal uncle who was a pilot on a crop-dusting plane. In April 1940, at age 18 Jack enlisted in the US Navy. Following Boot Camp and Aviation Machinist School he was transferred to Pearl Harbor Hawaii as a member of the PBY (Patrol Bomber Y) Squadron. Roughly one year to the day later that Hawaiian paradise turned into pandemonium for all.
Jack was on duty at Ford Island 7 December 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. "I can still see images of my Navy shipmates who were killed, and Navy ships turned turtle up that day" are words Jack often spoke during his presentation as he traveled around the United States to ensure that we never have to relive such a catastrophic event again. A day that will live in infamy
Following the attack, Jack flew in well over 100 US Navy missions in WWII including; The infamous 1942 Battle of Midway; Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands; The English Channel and Bay of Biscay on the west coast of France.
In 1948 Jack received an honorable discharge and took with him the following military distinctions: Distinguished Flying Cross, with 1 bronze star; Air Medal, with 9 Strike/Flights; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Good Conduct Medal, with 1 bronze cluster; American Defense Ribbons; Europe-African-Middle-East Ribbons, with 2 bronze clusters; Asiatic-Pacific Ribbons with 3 bronze clusters; Navy and Marine Presidential Unit Ribbon; Navy Battle Efficiency Award Ribbon; WWII D-Day Ribbon; WWII Victory Medal; Airborne and Air Assault Ribbon; Overseas Services Ribbon; Sea Service Ribbon; Navy Ribbon; Honorable Discharge Ribbon; He is also known for helping to form VB-103 and the new B24 Squadrons.
Post military, Jack spent over 25 years on corporate and commercial aircraft from mechanic to becoming a pilot. He also took time out to become a Pro-Golfer for two years. Jack is known for forming Texaco Oil Company, where he was the Board Chairman and President. He really was a "Jack" of all trades.
Jack authored his own book "Fear, Adrenaline, and Excitement" which can be purchased by emailing azrose1979@yahoo.com. The book tells of his life as he lived it in detail.
Mentoring youth and military personnel was always a passion of his, which he continued to do through involvement with schools, museums, veterans' groups and causes. Jack remained youthful as he played golf as often as possible and also delivered the local newspaper in Sun Lakes. He was active in charitable and political organizations, as well as had a private pilot's license. His last flight was on 13 Dec 2022, his 101st birthday when he took to the skies over the Superstition Mountains. He now soars high on eagle's wings.
Jack was preceded in death by both of his parents and his wife, Carleta Holder. He leaves behind his loving friends to cherish his memories. He had no siblings or children.
You may visit www.redmountainfuneralhome.com/obituaries to express your condolences and/or make a donation for living memorials to carry out his final wishes, in leu of flowers.
MSgt (Ret) Darlene Tryon will escort Jack's cremains to Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia where he will be entombed with full Military Honors at a later date.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Joseph "Jack" Norman Holder, please visit the
Tribute Fund.