James Holt

Madison- Seventeen years ago, our father and husband, James Joseph Holt, was given a second gift of life through a kidney transplant at the UW Transplant Center. That special gift allowed Jim the time to enjoy what he loved most- being with family and friends, continuing to work with his special clients, offering services to volunteer his time and to travel "here and there and do this and that". Jim passed away peacefully on his couch with the remote control in his hand on May 3, 2017.
Born in Madison, WI, on May 13, 1942 to Joseph and Helen Holt, he was raised on the near East side of Madison. Jim attended Lapham Grade School and Madison East High School, and graduated from Madison West High School in 1960. He said he was transferred to West to "help bring the average test scores down"... whatever the reasons were, he felt lucky to attend West High School. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary Rendall, and he was able to play on the state champion West High Golf team.
Jim then attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he "managed to cram four years of college into five years", and graduated with a B.S. degree majoring in Economics with a minor in Finance. He was able to play golf during two of these years and even found time to join the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Jim and Mary were married June 12, 1964.
After graduating in 1965, Jim and Mary set out to parts unknown to see "what the heck does a B.S. degree in economics qualify one to do?" They spent the next six years working and living in Green Bay, New York City and Tampa. They returned to Madison with many great memories, new friends scattered around and a new addition to the family! Katie was born in Tampa in October, 1968.
Back in Madison "for good", their son Bill joined their lives in February 1975. Working in the financial management and investment brokerage areas, Jim worked for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (W.A.R.F.), United Bank (which later became Valley Bank then M&I Bank and now BMO) and Paine Webber (which became UBS).
Jim always had outside interests, politics being one of them. In 1973, Jim was elected to the City of Madison Common Council where he represented the 19th district. He served on the Board of Estimates Alcohol License Review Committee (ironic, since he hardly ever drank alcohol).
Jim also served the community by participating on many Board of Directors during the last 40+ years. These include United Way, Madison Community Foundation, Children Service Society, Edgewood College and Wisconsin Public Housing Corporation. On nearly all of these boards, Jim was elected to the Chairman or President positions by his peers. He was blessed to be able to work with such great people. Jim said that "a good volunteer will nearly always receive back more satisfaction than they ever can give in time, effort and resources".
In 2004, Jim retired from the financial business. He spent more time in the idle pursuits of having lunch with the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out), meetings with the ADVOCATES ("Our best is none too good"), playing golf, and trying his hand at Texas Hold'em. His favorite pastime was being the co-chairman of the C.S.G.C.- the Committee to Spoil the Grand Children. His co-chairman position consisted of watching Mary be the most incredible Grandma in the World, and making sure ice cream was always involved in daily activities.
The family would like to send thanks to all of the friends and family who have been a part of Jim's journey. The medical and nursing staff at the UW Transplant Unit, Carbone Cancer Center, the Diabetes Clinic and Agrace Hospice were incredible in their care for Jim.
A memorial to any cause of charity would be appreciated. A donation to Blackhawk C.C. Greens Committee would be greatly appreciated. If you are not an organ donor please become one today.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Katie (Bruce) Schneider of Laurel, MD, son Bill (Christine) of Steubenville, OH, four successfully spoiled grandchildren; Ryan and Scott Schneider, Nina and Luca Holt. He is survived by his mother Helen Milward Holt Baillies of Madison, brother Dave (Deb) of Madison, sister Nan Baillies (Kevin Gould) of Madison, brother-in-law John Rice (Cindy), Madison, brother-in-law John Rendall, Guttenberg, IA. He is survived by numerous nephews; Steve (Lisa) Rice, Scott (Amy) Baillies, Eric (Kerry) Baillies, Adam (Jennifer) Holt, Ben Holt, Jay (Penny) Rendall. Nieces: Molly (Dave Otterson) Rice, Angie (Phil) Van Houten, Jill Rendall.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Joseph, sister Martha Rice, brother-in-law David Rendall, sister-in-law Judy Rendall, mother-in-law Margurite Baines Rendall Stevens.
A celebration of life will be held at Blackhawk Country Club in Madison on Saturday, May 13th. The gathering will begin at 1:30 with sharing of memories at 2:30.