A funeral will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 for 77-year-old James “Jim” Harley Holst of Bloomsdale, Mo, who passed away June 21, 2025.
He was born August 10, 1947 son of Mary “Patsy” Holst and Harley W. Holst who both preceded him in death.
He is survived by a son: Eric Holst; three daughters: Julie (Scott) Flieg, Jessica (Jesse) Weitzel, and Michelle (Matt) Bader; two brothers: Robert (Carol) Holst, and Daniel (Dorothy) Holst; a sister: Charlene (Frank) Wilson; eight grandchildren: Madelyn, Emily, Josef, Taylen, Maysie, Liam, Knox, and Gatlen; and the mother of his children: Sandra Holst
He was also preceded in death by a sister: Barbara Fischer.
Jim was a member of American Legion Post 554 of Bloomsdale, VFW Post 3777 of Festus, and Meat Cutters Union UFCW Local 88 serving as a shop steward representative.
Jim was born at the family farm house to the late Mary “Patsy” Holst and Harley Holst. He grew up on the family farm and stayed busy helping his family on the farm.
Once he graduated high school, he proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps on July 21, 1965. He completed Individual Combat Training on October 23, 1965 with the Second Infantry Training Regiment at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He then completed additional training as an ambulance driver and medic before serving two years overseas during the Vietnam War. Jim was honorably discharged on June 4, 1968. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
Once he was discharged he came back to his home in Bloomsdale. He went on to get his pilot license at American Flyers in Ardmore, Okla.
He retired as a meat manager from Schnucks after 39 years.
Jim loved hunting, fishing with his kids, and the annual family Christmas tree hunt. He was a true gentleman and would do anything for anyone. He was always the life of the party and never met a stranger. Jim enjoyed dancing to music, having a drink or two with his buddies and always telling a good story or joke. He had a contagious laugh and always ready for a good time.
Jim cherished his four children and eight grandchildren whom will miss him dearly, but will always cherish the time they all had with him and all of the great memories. He leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who will miss his laughter and “charm”.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Basler Funeral Home in Sainte Genevieve, Mo.
A funeral for 77-year-old James “Jim” Harley Holst of Bloomsdale will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Basler Funeral Home with Chaplain Fred Burgard from St. Francis Hospice officiating.
Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery in Bloomsdale, Mo. with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2210.
Memorials may be made to Missouri Veterans Home Foundation in Cape Girardeau.
Online condolences can be left at www.baslerfuneralhome.com