James Holt Obituary

It's been five years since you left us. It seems like yesterday when you were here on earth. The family has done everything to keep your memory alive! We celebrate your birthday each year on September 19th with a dinner attended by so many of us. We attend certain car shows that you'd want us to attend and always win 1st Place in our class. Jay keeps the Cyclone clean and waxed because he knows how you hated it being dirty. We moved into a new house with a four-car garage so that it will always have it's own permanent garage space! The kids hang those stupid dice from their rear view mirrors because they know how you loved those 'cheesy' dice. I listen only to Country Music because it reminds me of you. Now after five years, I've learned to love it. We go camping and riding at Pismo and Jawbone because it makes them feel closer to you! The boys use your tow strap and enjoy pulling others out of the sand, especially strangers! So much of who you were is who they are. You left your prints on every one of the children and grandchildren. They miss you, and I miss you. They love you and I will always love you.
Margie

P.S. Kayci wants to know if you're with Johnny up in heaven? We lost her finally last year. She lived a long and happy life but never got over losing you. I told her you're both together now. I told her you're feeding her lots of chicken and ice cream. She felt much better.

Grandma,
I'm not the kind of person to share my thoughts or feelings, but I'll give it a try.
You and Grandpa have been there since I was born. You were my second parents. I have always looked up to you and still do. When I was thinking of what to write, alot of the memories made me laugh. Like when we all lived with you on Vyn and Poppy used to keep the house freezing at 60 degrees all the time. I remember Johnnie would sleep with me and every morning Poppy would come in my room and Johnnie would growl at him thinking she was protecting me. But Poppy would keep doing it and Johnnie just kept growling and Poppy just laughed and kept doing it. Or like when I would have to get up in the middle of the night because you were getting old and would fall asleep with the TV on...sitting straight up in your bed against 100 pillows...still holding the remote! Or when you would get on E-Bay to bid on Pokemon cards for me. You loved the thought of "winning" with the highest bid. I liked that you did that for me but I think you were just on a mission to "win". Especially when 2 of the cards were in Japanese! Another time that makes me laugh is when we were living on Vyn and for Christmas me and Sister got bikes. We were riding them outside and Sister hit a parked car! THAT was funny! Even the little things were big to me: The first time it snowed; Poppy teaching me to ride a 3-wheeler; Fixing your computer when I was only 12 years old; All the trips to the beach. Something that I remember the most were all the times that Poppy and Uncle Jay worked on the car in the garage. I never got to help but I was the little guy in the background always watching them build it together. Now that I'm older I know now that they were building more than just a car. I will always miss my Poppy and I know everyone else does too.
From the beginning of my life, to the end of yours and even after that, you and Poppy have been in my life and I love you both. I don't want you to die NOW but I know you will be happy when the time comes for reuniting with Poppy and Johnnie. It's hard for me to think about all of this without crying but this letter made me laugh too so it's ok. In conclusion I would like to say:
*I love you
*Quit smoking
*Be nicer to Aunt Mimi! LOL

Love Always,
Your Grandson,

Jim-Dad

I still have you phone number in my cell phone. I come across it once in a while and it makes me smile. I remember your voice mail messages… (At about 5 in the morning) “The paper called and they want you to come in early!” I miss those messages. I have worked there for almost 14 years and only been “called in early” maybe, maybe 4 times. Ironically the last time I was “called in early”, you were also being “called in early.” God was calling you to go home and be with him. And for us, it defiantly feels too early! I miss you. Love “Choppers”

Oh Jim how things have changed since you left us. Somethings we do as if you were still here, like celebrate your birthday. We always have your favorite foods, and boy is the food always yummy! I've always wished you were there to celebrate with us, but I know you are here in sprit. You have the most wonderful and amazing family anyone could ever have! I think just about every family function or get together you are remembered. Sometimes we cry but most of the time we laugh. Not one day goes by that you are not thought of. I know one thing for sure, you will never be forgotten. I find it so amazing how people that never had a chance to meet you, feel like they have. You should be so proud of the family you have raised. Margie does such a good job of keeping the family together. All of your kids are so amazing and have turned out to be awesome just like you. Your grandchildren are beautiful and amazing kids. I am so blessed to be a part of the family that you and Margie started, and I thank you for giving each and every one of them to me. I know you look down upon them all, and you've already seen it for yourself. You are loved dearly and missed lots!!! I love you and miss you,

P.S. Just in case you were wondering, I did "feed that baby"!

Jim,
I still can't beleive you're gone. I think of you often especially the great times we had in your garage. Me watching you work on my cars while i watched and drank beer. You were always there for me. i knew all i had to do was just ask. Jay reminds me so much of you, yeah he's cool too. Well I love you and i will see you again. man i sure miss you-

Hey Dad,
What's up? I've been putting this off for a while because it's hard for me to find the words. So I've been thinking about it a lot and I still don't have the words. So I guess I'll just ramble. I wish I could talk to you now instead of when we meet again. I wish I knew if you were proud of me. Do you feel like I failed you? I don't think you do, but it sure would be nice if we could talk. Do you think I should work harder? Am I doing a good job taking care of the family? I don't know, but these last few years without you have been the hardest of my life. But I know you watch over me every day. And I'll try to make you proud. Everything good about me I got from you and Mom. Your the best Dad anyone could ask for and I thank God you were mine. I Love you Dad.

Dear Dad,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It seems to me as if life is sometimes just a whole world of sad goodbys. You were the last person I ever wanted to have to say that to but I know it's not up to us to decide. When I think about you leaving us I always remember that foggy January evening when I was driving home from work and I saw your truck turning off of 178 on to Fairfax. For a split second I almost kept going but then I had a strong feeling that I should follow you home. When I got there you weren't feeling well but you still had a way of making me laugh. You didn't want me driving home in the fog all the way to what you called "Buttonwillow" even though I was really only going to Rosedale. (You always hated me living in the northeast.) If I had known that I would be getting a call from Sis at four in the morning and that was the last time I'd see you alive, I would have stayed. I will always be grateful that I was able to kiss your cheek and tell you I loved you before I left that night. There is great solace in the fact that I love you was the last thing you ever heard me say to you. That is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I miss you so much and always wish there could have been more time. So many things happen in our lives but I know you are looking down on us. I know you are proud. I know you are laughing. I know you are making funny comments about Mom. Most of all, I know you loved me. Until I see you again, know that you were and will forever be the most handsome man I ever knew. I miss you Dad. Love Forever, Your Misty Mouse

Poppy,
When I think about love, and about how much you loved your family, I am reminded of the wind. Although you may not see it, you can always feel it and you know it is there. This is how you loved me, and the rest of our family. No matter how often we visited, you were always there, just loving us and enjoying our company. Sometimes you just drank it all in, sitting in your chair, watching it all and peppering in your opinions. Sometimes you would walk around and mess with the kids and call everyone fat, always joking of course. But no matter what you were doing, there was always comfort in your presence, knowing that the backbone of the family was there, watching and loving all of us unconditionally. Just as I was old enough to understand and appreciate your presence, you left. Although you have left us, your presence lingers, and I know that you are with us, sitting in a comfortable recliner and eating sweets in heaven. We all miss you dearly and hold you in our hearts, preserving the love that you gave us while we still had you.
Holding on tight,

Dad,
You were alway's on my side.(misty had nothing) I have the most wonderful memories that will stay with me forever, till we meet in heaven. I know that you are with my love, Sophie and since you made it to heaven four months before her, you were there with open arms and had the chance to embrace her and see her whole and I thank you for being there for her in heaven as a grandfather as you were there for me as as father here on earth. I am grateful to have had you in my life, and excited to know that one day we will meet again.
Love,
Lori (aka Odie)

Dear Poppy,
I love you soo soo much I could pop! I miss you. Do you have fun in heaven? I am in the 4th grade now and I can't believe how long it's been since you left. I miss the times we spent together. I miss when you lived at Vyn and I would spend the night with you and Margie. Kayci, Kalysta and I would make a pallet on the floor by your bed and watch TV with you and Grandma Margie. I also miss when you, Johnnie, and me would sit in your chair. My mommy and I always watch your videos and my favrit part is when you pick me up in my Tinkerbell dress and kiss me.
I can't wait to see you again in heaven!
Love,

Dear Mr. Poppy,

The funny thing is that ive never met you before but i feel that ive known you forever and if i ever did get the honor to have met you i would thank you for making such a beautiful and awsome family. I want you to know that your family loves you and you are truly missed and i wish that i could be half the man you were.

Dear Poppy,

How are you? I'm sure you are doing very well with Johnnie dog. I miss you so much and have so much to tell you! I'm ingaged to a beautiful person named Brandon James Bowers. I know you would love him like all the family does. We are going to get married on September 17th 2011 we wanted it close to your birthday! Oh and guess what we are having POPPY flowers just in memory of you I thought you would like that.I wish you could be there but I know you will be watching. We miss you grandpa sooo much it still hurts as if it were yesterday. there is so much I wanna say but I can't find the words only tears. I love you and can't wait to go see a movie in heaven with you.

love always and forever,

Poppy--

I came into this family, a month too late--just shy of getting to meet the person everyone speaks of and misses very much. I'm glad to know (and hope) that one day I will be part of the family that you helped to create!

Dear Poppy,

We will always remember you and we miss you so much. I hope that Johnnie is keeping you good company again!
Love you Poppy!!

Uncle Jim,

We all still feel your presence at the family get-togethers. We know you are looking down among us, smiling and laughing with us, and still having a good time!

Your Nephew,

Dear Poppy,

Are you happy? Do you play with Johnny? Have you gotten any of my balloons that I sent you? Is Johnny alright? I'll try to send you another balloon for Christmas. Do you look the same as always? I wish you could see our home and our neighborhood. I'm 9 years old now and my teacher is Mrs. Doyel. I really miss you. I have your red dog. I take good care of him. I named him Johnny. Have a great Christmas!!!

Love,
Kayci

Dear Poppy,

I hope that you are having a good time in heaven. I also hope that you are having fun with Johnny. If you are I am happy for you.

Love,
Kaly Monster

Although so much time has passed it seems like just yesterday that Jim was still here with us. I feel so very lucky to be part of a family that is so close and supportive of one another. So many times I have listened to Jay tell stories about spending time with his dad as a child. I know that he cherishes these memories and that they have had a tremendous impact on who he is as a person and a father. I watch him spend time with the girls and I know that he is trying to give them the same kind of memories that they too will someday treasure. Even though we all still miss Jim every day, let us not forget that a piece of him lives on in each of his children. Every time we gather, all of the pieces come together and his memory remains strong. Thank you Jim for being the kind and loving person we all remember. And, thank you to the rest of the Holt family for never letting his memory fade. May God bless you all.

Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face. You told me how proud you were, then I drove away. If only I knew what I know today.
I would hold you in my arms, that would take the pain away. Thank you for all you've done, for giving me this day. There's nothing I wouldn't do to hear your voice again. Sometimes I want to call you, but forget you won't be there. Thank you for loving me for 40 years, oh the memories! And I know you're near...but I need you here.
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit sometimes I just want to hide cause it's you I miss. And it's so hard to say 'goodbye' at times like this. Would you tell me to hold on? Would you help me understand? Are you looking down upon me? Are you proud of who I am? There's nothing I wouldn't do to have just one more chance to look into your eyes and see you looking back. Thank you for loving me for 40 years. Oh the memories! And I know you're near.
If I had just one more day, I would tell you how much that I've missed you since you've been away. I know it's dangerous, it's so out of line, to try to turn back time. Thank you for loving me for 40 years. Oh the memories! And I know you're near, but Daddy I need you here...

Thank you to the Holt Family for sharing their Dad with me. Having lost my own Dad, I really enjoyed knowing Jim and sharing times with the entire family. I know Jim is looking down on all of us and is very proud of all of his Family and Friends. I am thankful for having Jim in my life if only for a short time.

James Howard "Jim" Holt
1945 - 2006
In Loving Memory of James Howard Holt "Jim" Sept. 19, 1945 - Jan. 8, 2006 Dad: Although it has been an entire year, it seems like yesterday that you went to 'go rest high on that mountain'. Not a day goes by that we don't all think of you and miss you so much it aches. Every birthday, holiday, special event or even the not-so-special occasion is unbearable without you physically being here with us. We know you are watching over your family and we hope you are proud to see your gentle and loving character shine through your children, as we help our Mom, and each other, through the hardest year of our lives. Even though you were taken so suddenly, we are comforted to know that you didn't suffer. You once said that when your 'time' came, you wanted it to be fast (Just how you liked your cars!). Because you received that gift from God, it is a blessing to know that there was nothing any of us left unspoken. We knew you loved each of us individually and with everything you had. We would tell you we loved you, and you would always say, "Thank You'! So today, on the anniversary of your new life in Heaven, we say to you, "No, Dad. Thank You'!

It has been a year since you left us. Why does it seem like just yesterday? Perhaps it is because your children and grandchildren have kept your memory alive and thriving as if you still walked among us. We miss you more than I ever dreamed possible. We visit your grave regularly and take care to make sure it looks clean and adorned with flowers. They celebrated your birthday in September as if you were here. Clearly, you are gone...but not forgotten. They keep the memory of your life on earth with the theme of: "Always Remember, We'll Never Forget!" We loved you in life and we love you in death.

On the anniversary of your death, January 8, 2007 (1 year) a beautiful memorial tribute was written for the newspaper, including a photo. What a nice and loving gesture that was. It was a surprise and unexpected. It was hard getting through that day, but it was lovely and quiet and serene.

Rest Peacefully, My Love.

You will be missed by many. We had some good times as teen agers. Just happened to check the obituaries and found your sad death. You had fun in life didn;t you. God Watch over you forever.

Very sorry to hear of your passing. May your family get comfort in the days to come. Our prayers are with them. God Bless.

So sorry to hear about your passing. It has been years since I saw you but you were a great boyhood friend and probably a great adult. God bless your family.

I just heard about the death of Jim. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at Dairyfresh Cal Maine Foods. His voice was so nice to hear each day and he always was in a good mood. He would call the office each day to transmit his orders. He was friendly and so kind to each of us.



Our regrets to all family members at a death far too early. He was missed when he left the company and I know he'll be missed wherever life took him.



From his friends at Dairyfresh

poppy...im sad when i think that you're gone...but i know that i will see you again. i know that you are watching over all of us and that gives me a sence of comfort. i love you soo much and i miss you but i know that we will see each other again. i know that you probably miss johnnie and she too will be with you again. i love you poppy.

love your grandaughter,

Catie Holt

Jim and I were high school friends. He was such a nice guy, a very "real" person and a gentle soul who always had time for others. He will be missed. To all his family, "treasure the memories" until you are together again.

With Love,

Jo (Harper)Stephens

From both my sisters, my mom, and myself, I just want to thank the entire CURTIS FAMILY for their show of love and support during this hard time. They showed up 'in force' from the time Dad was rushed by ambulance to the hospital until the time we laid him to rest at the cemetary.



They took over Mom's kitchen, provided tons of food and rarely left our sides. They sent cards, flowers, and created a beautiful video shared at the service. We've watched it over and over and will forever value it.



So, to all of the Curtis Clan (Linda, Richard, Rachel, John, Toni, LeAnne, & James) the entire HOLT FAMILY says Thank You for Caring~You are a "class act" - We do love you all and consider you an extension of our own family.



God Bless You.

Misty,

My deepest sympathies to your ENTIRE family! My prayers are with all of you; that the Lord keeps you together as a close, loving family until you're all reunited again in His Kingdom!

~ Shawna Hale (Mason)

Your loss is shared by friends and family who care and love you all very much. Always remember that you're in our thoughts, hearts and in our every prayer. May you find the courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today. May the love of friends and family

be a source of comfort to you at this time of sorrow. Your loved one will always be as close as a memory and the God of all comfort

is always as close as a prayer. It will be the little things that you will remember the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. Although it's hard, especially right now,it will be the memory of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again. . . . Let these things be a reminder for you all!! I love you all very much!!!

Our deepest sympathies.

I can never tell you how comforting it was to see so many friends and relatives at the rosary, funeral, and internment as we bid farewell to "Daddy" - I feel as though I've lost half my soul. He was a kind, gentle, and patient man whom I depended on to keep me "in check". What will I ever do without him?



Thanks to so many, but especially to Lesa Curtis, Lori Minetti, and Trina Ashmore whom he thought of as daughters of his own. Thank you to Cathy Lowe and Treona Ward who gave so much and whose friendship is so cherished. Thanks to the staff of Orangewood Elementary School for their love and support to Misty; to the employees of the Citibank Branches and Wells Fargo Bank Branches for being there for both Wendy Sue and me. Thank you to Laurie and Jessica Day and to our good neighbors, most especially Deanie Hogan and all the Oberholtzers for countless kindnesses.



Finally, to Jimmy Ward - for all you did and continue to do....we do so love you and look to your strength as comfort . . . as did Jim.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

On behalf of the entire Jim Holt family, please accept our profound gratitude for the many beautiful rememberances exhibited during the past several days. Words cannot convey how helpful it was to us to receive so many flowers, food, cards, and telephone calls. As you might imagine, the loss of our dad and "Poppy" would be unbearable were it not for the support and kindness of our family and friends. We love reading your messages and stories and will be posting additional photos soon. It is a true testament to our Daddy's life.--Wendy Sue Curtis, Misty Nicholas, and Jameson Holt.

From the James D. Hudgens Family.

Please accept our most heartfelt and deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a note of great sadness upon learning of Jim's sudden passing.



May God Bless and guide him on his journey.



James D. Hudgens

Marge, Wendy and family,



No words can express the feelings I have in my heart for all of you.

May you find peace and rest in the promises of the Lord.

Our hearts go out to you Margie, Wendy, Misty and Jamie.

We Love You!

Jim, As I stood by your bed I wanted to say good bye but I couldn't find the words. But then it hit me I didn't want to say good bye at all, I wanted to say, see you later. Good bye is forever, and I know that I will see you again. When it is my turn to go I know that you will be waiting for me with arms open. You never understand when people say live everyday like it is your last day til something happens to you, now I understand. You were able to teach me a huge lesson in life and you probably don't even know you did it. On Christmas Eve I didn't go to your house because I didn't have money to buy you and Margie a gift, and now I wish more than anything that I would have went to your house on Christmas Eve. The lesson you taught me is that money is not everything, the true gift is the time you get to spend with the people that you love. Most girls hate when dad's give them advise about boys. But I loved when you would give me advise, and I would almost always listen. Sometimes it would take me a while, I won't lie. I know that you will still help me find the " right one" from heaven. And I will be waiting for your help! and anyime someone tells me to "feed that baby", I will always think of you, you always knew when Kylie wanted to eat, even when Mommy didn't know. I love you lots and I 'am so happy to know that you are watching over me. Love you always Trina & Kylie

sorry to hear about your loss. for he was a great husband father grandfather. and a great help to the search and rescue team. he touched many lives. our prayers are with all of the family.

The Mershon Family (cousins)

Richard, Kathy, Kileen, & Kevin

This isn’t for the family, they know how sorry I truly am & that I will always be there. This is for my Jim-Dad, as you are listed in my cell phone. I wish I could turn back the clock, for several reasons. The first two that pop into my head, the fact that I accidentally deleted your last voice mail. And that I didn’t go to church with you guys 2 Sundays ago. I can’t imagine being with my adopted family, and you NOT being there. Your sense of humor is unique! I love it when you make fun of my teeth, and tell everyone to watch out – that I might bite! You always put a smile on my face. I remember one time Jamie & I got into an argument. (He was being mean to me, I promise.) And… I kept threatening him, telling him I was going to tell you! Cause I knew you would get him! =0) I know you loved me, by the way you treated me. Even little things showed me, like when you gave us all cards… they all had our first names & you’re last name. Lesa Holt was on the cover of my envelope and it made me feel special. You are an awesome father! I have learned so much from ALL THREE of your children. They grew up to be wonderful people. Go to heaven now, we will all be there soon! Talk to you later. All my love, Lesa Holt.

Marjorie, Wendy, Misty, Jamie, and Pamela, we are saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, father and brother Jimmy. We pray that God will keep you in his arms during this difficult time. Tom, Linda and Andrew Letourneau

The Curtis family