James "Bud" Wilburn Holt, Jr.'s Obituary
James “Bud” Wilburn Holt, Jr., age 88, of Lochloosa, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer, with his loving family by his side.
Born on January 17, 1937, in Americus, Georgia, to James W. Holt, Sr. and Lola B. Suggs Holt, James spent his early years in Georgia before the family relocated to Florida in 1951 in search of a better life. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958 aboard the USS Randolph aircraft carrier off the coast of Korea.
In September 1958, shortly after his military service, James married the love of his life, Janice Abercrombie. Together, they raised five sons and eventually settled in Lochloosa in 1968, where they made their home on a small farm.
James had a strong work ethic and worked for Denny/Florida Rock Cement until his retirement. He later spent ten years with Crom Equipment and managed a farm in Citra, FL well into his 80s. He was a devoted family man who loved fishing and was a proud fan of Georgia Bulldogs football.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janice Holt; sons, Robert Holt and Tony Holt; grandson, J.D. Roberson; granddaughter, Billie Jean Jenkins; daughter-in-law, Debbie Holt; and great-granddaughter, Scarlett Honeycutt.
He is survived by his sons, James Holt III and wife Malora, Timmy Holt, and Rex Holt and wife Vicki; daughter-in-law, Colleen Holt; grandchildren: Tiffany Vazquez-Pacheco (Pedro), Lacey Honeycutt, Ashley O'Quinn, Jordan Holt, Destiny Williams (R.J.), Roxanne Holt (Alex), Jacklyn Fields (Shawn), Savannah Holt, and Katie Phillips; great-grandchildren, Dominick, Serena, Chase, Taylor, Michael, Brennan, Kinsey, Sophia, James, Hunter, Dallas, Willow, Ivy, Robert, Harmony, Faith, Jackson, Isabella, Jordan, Selena, Brandon, Joe, and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Jimmy Holt, Mamie Sue Rigdon, and Linda Thomas, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
The Holt family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff at Malcolm Randall V.A. Medical Center, his dedicated caretaker Ms. Felicia, and the compassionate team at Haven Hospice.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Hawthorne Chapel, 22205 SE 69th Ave., Hawthorne, FL.
Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial will follow at Hawthorne Cemetery with military honors.
James Holt, Jr. will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to country, and his humble, hardworking spirit. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any cancer research of your choice or to any veteran’s organization.
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