James William Holt, 54, a resident of Highland and formerly of the Town of Wappinger, died on Friday, January 8, 2010 at the Hudson Valley Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center.

Born on January 25, 1955 in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Harry F. and Betty K. Holt.  Jim had worked at a photo shop and a pizza restaurant in Richmond, VA and he also did a lot of volunteer work over the years.  He was a talented amateur musician with fine capabilities.  Jim played the drums with several amateur groups. He also played the guitar well, and sometimes played for the other residents of the nursing home. He was an avid student of the Bible and completed a course in Bible study, often quoting chapter and verse. He gave counsel and encouragement to all those who asked.

Jim always had a great interest in other people. He engaged in conversations easily, talking about many topics and he had a good capacity for detail. He enjoyed humor, laughing easily, and could make some very funny quips, sometimes at his own expense.

His family wishes to thank the staff of Hudson Valley Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center, especially those on the third floor, east wing, for all their skillfulness and for their kind efforts on Jim's behalf.  The family also wishes to thank all the members of the Hospice Team who ministered to Jim's needs, most especially Edie, who showed extraordinary care and concern.

Jim will be forever missed and loved by his family and friends. We are grateful to have known him, even for so short a time. He is survived by his sisters, Valerie Hahn and her husband, Ed of Poughkeepsie, Joan Baker of Richmond, VA, Judith Mahoney of Richmond, VA and Katherine Henstebeck and her husband, Ed of Fishkill; fifteen nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 182 Route 376, Hopewell Junction with Rev. Domingo Shriver officiating.  Interment will be in the spring in the family plot in New Hackensack Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice; or just think of Jim when you offer a kind word or do a kind deed for someone to honor a good and generous heart.