James Michael Holt

August 29, 1943 - January 21, 2022

James Michael Holt USNMMC/Ret died peacefully at his home January 21, 2022 in Reva, VA surrounded by his family. James was born in Biddeford, Maine to Jesse and Isabelle Holt on August 29, 1943. Right out of High School he joined the U.S. Navy in 1960. He attended US Naval Training School at Great Lakes, Illinois. Jim traveled all over the world courtesy of the U.S. Navy, living in Naples Italy and the Philippines. He served on the USS NEW, USS SURIBACHI, USS GREAT SITKIN, USS YFN13-17, USS MARKAB, USS CASCADE, USS YOSMITE, USS PIEDMONT, U.S. Navy Diving and Salvage Naval Submarine Base. Those who knew him were intrigued with his many diving stories. He was a working Saturation Diver and he also worked with Hyperbaric Treatments. He was one of the last Hard Hat Divers. He often laughed that back then his diving gear weighed almost as much as he did. He taught Diving School in Washington DC. When he retired in 1980, he immediately entered law enforcement, serving under Sheriff Robert Peters and Sheriff Roger Mitchell, Sr. at the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. He served in many capacities; Patrol Process Server, Criminal Investigator, Agent for Blue Ridge Task Force, Instructor in Firearms, and Chief Jailor. Jim retired after 20 years of uninterrupted service from the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. Jim was a lifetime member of Masonic Anacostia Pentalpha Lodge 21, Washington, DC, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and also a member of Almas Shriners of Washington, DC. Jim spent his entire adult life dedicated to Country and Community. He was very thorough and dedicated to whatever he was doing. A true weekend warrior, he enjoyed many years of Harley riding and was a member of the Blue Knights Chapter IV in Charlottesville. Jim enjoyed going to car shows and was the proud owner of a Corvette and enjoyed showing the trophies it won. Jim enjoyed hunting and was an excellent marksman. He enjoyed fishing on the OBX with many friends, traveling, and camping around the U.S. Jim is survived by his wife, Dyanne Holt; a brother, Tim Holt, Sr (Janice); sister, Isabel “Bitsy” Terk (Dick); children, James Holt, Jr (Cherie), Jennifer Weakley (Jeff), Jessica Dodson (Darrin), Jack Rutherford, and Melissa Yancey (Billy); grandchildren Amanda Scott (Roger), Brandi Edwards (Jonathon), Charles Williams, Ryan Williams, Courtney Weakley, Alisa Holt, Lena Holt, James Holt, III, Casey Rutherford, Haley Mullins, Garrick Rutherford, Taya Rutherford, Tyler Rutherford, Lauren Rutherford, and Joseph Rutherford; great grandchildren; Sean and Kiley Leverknight, Mason and Jordyn Dodson, Grace and Faith Scott, Chase Allyn Rutherford, Jackson and Addie Bench, Easton Williams, Susan and Emily Harris, Conner and Everleigh Edwards and Henry Jaye Samuels/Rutherford. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by an infant son; Rickie Jaye Rutherford his son by choice, and grandson, Rickie Jaye Rutherford, Jr. In recent years if you couldn’t find Jim at home reading you might find him at Walmart or the Library with a short stop at Peppers Grill. Special thanks to all who shared laughter over a shot of Wild Turkey 101, deepest gratitude to Hospice of the Piedmont, and big hugs to CNA Loren who kept him laughing. Jim lived a life dedicated to Country, Community, and Family. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701 with Rev. James Mack officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Mask are required to enter the building. The family would like to invite those unable to attend to join the service via live stream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1642972510161753. Interment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 2524. An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com. Found and Sons of Culpeper is serving the family. “Fair Winds and Following Seas”