James "Jess" Holt

James Holt, 58, of La Grande, died April 5, 2007 after short battle with cancer. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at The Place, 62846 Philynda Loop, near Buchanan and McAlister. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Known as Jess, he was born August 20, 1948 to Janice and Russell Holt in Pocatello, Idaho. He grew up in Boise, graduating from Borah High School in 1966, and served in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972.

In 1978 he earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Idaho and went to La Grande as an engineer. He later became a senior engineer, project manager and shareholder in the company. Jess married his wife, Jody, in 1981.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, drag racing, driving his little red sports car and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Jody; children and their spouses, Sandra and Shane Patterson of Union, Shayne and Mari Holt of St. John, Washington, Kelly Bohnenkamp of Greeley, Colorado and Aubree and Kenny Wright of Scottsdale, Arizona; siblings, John Holt of Terrebonne, David Maria of Boise and Lee Woods of Boise and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association or the Grande Ronde Hospital Hospice.