JAMES “JIM” HOLT
JAMES “JIM” HOLT
James “Jim” Holt, 90, passed away surrounded by family Aug. 21, 2025, at his home in Black River Falls, WI.
Jim was born 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 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 two daughters, Sherry (Tom Harnish) Holt of La Crosse and Amy Holt of Holmen; four grandchildren, Brandon Oreskovich, Leah Raye Ann Melde, Autumn Rose Holt, and Daniel Bartelson; four great-grandchildren, Cafourek Oreskovich, Iyoney Oreskovich, Trieghten Oreskovich and Atlas Bartelson; two bonus great-grandchildren, Carmen Schroeder and Braxton Huntington; two sisters-in law, Mary Jean (Merlyn) Kroll and Kay Ivalis; brother-in-law Steve (Maryjane) Mabie; four nieces, Barbara Wilsmann Decorah, Marianna Kroll, Tara Ormond and Heather Murphy; three 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 p.m. Aug. 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 a.m. until the time of the service. Lunch will be served at the Evangelical Lutheran Church following the service. Burial will be held in the Neillsville City Cemetery.
Casket-bearers are Tom Harnish, Robert J. Wilsmann, Stacy Holt, Leah Raye Ann Melde, Autumn Rose Holt and Daniel Bartelson.
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.