James Edward Holt

James Edward “Jim” Holt, 83, was born November 17, 1942, to George and Florence (White) Holt in Kenosha, Wisconsin and passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at the family ranch known as the Heavy H Ranch in Leon County, Texas, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

Jim graduated from Dearborn High School in Dearborn, Michigan, in June 1961. He spent a short time in California working with polo horses before the family moved to Houston, Texas where he graduated from Sam Houston State College with a bachelor’s degree in January 1968.

In the summer of 1968, Jim met the love of his life, Judy Lou Brod. They were married on March 13, 1971, and would have celebrated their 55th anniversary next month. Together, Jim and Judy started Holt’s Heavy Hauling in 1974.

Jim loved livestock and when his sons were young, they showed and raised cattle in 4H and FFA as a family. His passion was horses and he always had a few to tend to. Jim and his family started raising Clydesdales in 2002. Jim always referred to his horses as “gentle giants” but in reality, he was the gentle giant. He and Judy loved going to horse shows together, seeing the horses and spending valuable time with friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Florence Holt and his brother-in-law, Bob Nelson.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Brod) Holt; two sons, Jed Holt (Jenny) and John Holt; grandchildren, Katelynn, Paige, Allison and Wyatt; sister, Georgia Nelson; brother, Don Holt (Judith); nieces, Lynn Balli (Noe III), Kristen Lowenberg (David) and Annie Doughtry (Ralph); nephew Justin Holt; grandnieces, Jenna and Charlie; grandnephews, Noe IV, Daniel, Anthony, Aaron (Emily), and Quinton; as well as numerous other extended family and loving friends.

Per Jim’s wishes he will be laid to rest in the Heavy H Ranch Cemetery located at 17693 CR 266, Oakwood, Texas 75855. Services will be carried out at the graveside only and will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 A.M. A BBQ lunch will be served immediately following the graveside and all are invited to attend and bring their favorite “Jim Holt” story to share.

The family is especially grateful to the staff of Luminos Hospice Care who did an outstanding job taking care of Jim and the family after he was moved back to the ranch.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to help Jim support first responders by making memorial donations to, “Come and Take it.” Donations may be made to:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/jim-holt-come-and-take-it-fundraiser

Final arrangements for James Edward “Jim” Holt are under the compassionate care and direction of Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas.