Jack Holt

A man who was content in all things, Jack Holt was a remarkable man to know and love. He never worried much about building wealth or receiving accolades from others, but he set his sights on loving those around him in every way. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and although Jack loved being a father it was being a grandfather that put the icing on the cake. He was laid back and the sort of man who never got worked up about anything, and he had a special way of putting others at ease. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Jack created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be a lasting treasure for years to come.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have seen as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate soared to more than 25 percent, and things only went from bad to worse with a crippling drought that blanketed our nation’s heartland in the mid-thirties. Despite the trying times around them a young couple from Big Rapids, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives with the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 6, 1934. Baby Jack was the only child born to his parents, Leland “Stub” and Nellie (Green) Holt, and he experienced a childhood that was fairly typical of the generation. To provide for their needs, his parents owned a local tavern in Big Rapids. Although he didn’t have any siblings, Jack was very close to his cousin, Jean, who lived with them along with his Uncle Dwayne. The two boys were more like brothers than like cousins.

As a student Jack attended local schools. He was quite the athlete who participated in every sport he could. Track ended up being Jack’s favorite sport, and for several years the broad jump record belonged to him. He had numerous medals in a variety of sports to show for all his hard work. Jack went on to graduate from Big Rapids High School in 1953. As a young man he entered into the Navy, but he was unable to pass the required physical because he had flat feet.

New and exciting changes were in store for Jack when he met the young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Judy, and he spotted her while she was out for a walk with a couple of her girlfriends. Jack was out cruising in his friend’s convertible, and they stopped to talk and flirt with the girls a little. One thing led to another, and Judy spent the next two years begging her mother to let her date that “bad egg” from Big Rapids since all boys from Big Rapids were bad according to her mother. True love won in the end, however, and with a desire to build a life together Jack and Judy were married on October 22, 1955, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Reed City.

The couple was later delighted to learn they were expecting. Together Jack and Judy welcomed three girls into their hearts and home, Denise, Kara, and Janet. Their beagle was also an important part of their family. To support his family Jack worked as a Dairy Inspector for the State Department of Agriculture. He was devoted to his work there throughout his career until he retired in 1997.

Through the years Jack’s life was enriched with so many things that he loved. He did some traveling including to Florida to visit family. Jack also enjoyed trips to California, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and out cruising Route 66. He was a football fanatic and required that dinner be planned around the Lions games. Jack continued to live an active lifestyle as he liked playing softball, bowling at Plainwell Lanes, and golfing. He was over the top meticulous about his vehicles. In fact, he didn’t have a serious bone in his body except when it came to his cars, and his family couldn’t get enough of giving Jack a hard time about him and his cars. Later in life he was thrilled to become a grandfather, and spending time with his grandchildren quickly became a favorite activity. Jack viewed the day that each of his grandchildren were born to be the greatest days in his life. He made a point of attending every school, sporting, and extracurricular activity that his grandchildren were involved in.

All who knew Jack Holt would agree that he was a stabilizing force in the lives of those around him. Nicknamed “Mr. Excitement” because of his passive demeanor, he fully appreciated every day he was given, never taking even one moment with his loved ones for granted. Jack was a man of great honor, integrity, and strength who will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Jack Holt of Plainwell died on December 27, 2012, at his home. Jack’s family includes his wife, Judy; his children: Denise Fultz, Kara Brigance, Janet Holt; grandchildren Ken Falkenstein, Courtney Fultz, Kyle Falkenstein; great grandchildren: Jordan, Jocilynne and Justin Morey. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Guy Fultz. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Sunday, December 30 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell; 200 Park St. Please visit Jack’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care of South West Michigan or the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell.