James Richard Holt

James Richard Holt, age 73, of Fordyce, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. James was born in Fordyce on September 20, 1950. He was the son of the late Richard John and Annie Mae Pauline Reynolds Holt. He was a life-long member of the Fordyce Methodist Church where he was active in the Chancel Choir. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, teacher, classmate, and friend. James was better known as Jimmy, and he touched the lives of so many people throughout his life. He was an amazing teacher and a “legend” according to some of his students and he was a die-hard Redbug fan.
Jimmy attended school in Fordyce from grades 1st through 12th and he graduated in 1968. His love for Redbug football was passed down by his father, Richard, who was also an avid Redbug fan. This love continued as he played football for the Bugs most notably as #64 and it passed to his daughters who attended school in Fordyce. Two of his daughters cheered for the Redbugs, and his stepdaughter played basketball and ran track. Jimmy shared a box seat at Paul “Bear” Bryant Stadium with his sister, Linda, and it was the same box seat that his dad, Richard, sat in years ago. One of his favorite things to say at games was “Hit Somebody”.
Jimmy left Fordyce long enough to attend college at Henderson State University where he was a member of the Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity. He graduated from HSU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Science. He then returned to Fordyce and his sister, Kay, talked him into interviewing at Fordyce High School to teach math. He always bragged about never having to do a resume because he interviewed for one job and kept it until he retired in 2012. He taught for 39 1/2 years in the same classroom. He didn’t just lay math out for you to learn, he put you in it and he helped you to understand it, even if he had to start back at square one. He was famous for his chalk from head to toe and mathematical jargon, most notably “variable to the left, number to the right”. He was also known by several nicknames from Snake, given to him by Coach Don Wilkinson, his high school football coach, to Goofy, given to him by his college fraternity brothers, to Holt Dawg, given to him by his students.
When we asked dad what fed his soul, he said that it was going into town and seeing his students. Jimmy loved hearing about how he made such an impact on the lives of his students. He loved listening to the stories told by his family and his students. He truly had no idea just how many lives he touched in his time on this earth and he was truly touched and humbled by everything that was shared with him. His hobbies included hunting, playing golf, and traveling. He was a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys, unless they were playing the Minnesota Vikings when his former student, Kevin Williams was playing. He loved spending time with his family, and he loved going to church.
Mr. Holt is preceded in death by his brother, John Thomas “Tommy” Holt and sister, Emily Kathryne “Kay” Holt Garlington; He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Sandra Holt of Fordyce; one stepdaughter, Janet Grover of Hartsville, South Carolina; two daughters, Julie Barnes of Monticello, Sarah (Jason) Hobbs of Monticello; six grandchildren, Blake (Josey) Coston of Jacksonville, Florida, Trent (BrieAnn) Coston of Fordyce, Avery Barnes, Madilynn, Kinsley, and Bo Hobbs all of Monticello; three great-grandchildren Kopelyn and Korbin Coston of Fordyce, and Kit Coston of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters Barbara Holt Henderson of Sherwood and Linda Holt Holmes of Fordyce, and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to create a scholarship to honor the memory of Jimmy and his countless hours of service to Fordyce High School, and his love for his students and mathematics. Please send donations to the Fordyce Redbug Alumni Association, Jimmy Holt Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 57, Fordyce, AR 71742. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, on Thursday, May 9, at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Services will be at will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, May 10, at the Fordyce Methodist Church. A private graveside service will be held at a later time for family. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. Please sign the online register by visiting www.bentonfuneralhome.net .