John Holt

John James (Jim) Holt, 101, died at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at his residence. He passed at home, surrounded by family, under the care of his granddaughter, Pammy, whom he loved dearly. He was born January 10, 1922 in Alsey, IL the son of the late John Ambrose Holt and Winifred Virginia (Crabtree) Holt, and stepmother, Myrtle Keyser Holt.  John served in the Army Air Corps during WWII.  He was a machinist with Owens Illinois for many years and was a member of Community Congregational United Church in Godfrey.  On January 14, 1943 in Gulfport, Mississippi he married Emma “Kitty” Sharp, and she preceded him in death on October 5, 2013.  He loved life in general, but most of all he enjoyed planting and gardening, and fishing trips with his son, Jim. He was an avid reader, and passionate family man.  Surviving are one daughter, Janet Thomason (Arthur “Art”) of Mesa, AZ, two sons, Larry Holt (Cindy) of Brighton, Bill Holt (Muriel) of Scottsdale, AZ, one daughter-in-law, Christy Holt of Alton, his grandchildren, Kathy Rood, Debra Thomason, Neil Roach, Jennifer Van Allman, Michael Holt (Beth), Pamela Smith, Steve Watt, Lori Seay, Jason Sumner, Jordy Schuller and Sanne Laboate, numerous great-grandchildren, numerous great great-grandchildren,  one sister, Dorothy Bonnell of Springfield, OH, one brother in law, Joe Vonbehren of Mesa, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews.   Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jim Holt, one great-grandson, Mark Holt and one great great grandson, Landon Ryan Holmes and two sisters, Virginia Vaughn and Betty Moppins.  Visitation will be Friday, November 17, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:30 p.m.  at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Irene Gulovsen will officiate.   Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by VFW Post 1308.  Memorials may be made to Community Congregational United Church in Godfrey.  Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home