Northborough – James R. “Jim” Holt, 78, of Northborough, formerly of Marlborough, died on Feb. 22, 2021 after a short period of failing health. He was the husband for 27 years of Patricia “Trish” (Doucette) Holt. He was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Ernest and Rita (Turner) Holt, and lived in Marlborough most of his life.
He was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam era. He served on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Enterprise, where he was stationed in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then served in the National Guard and was activated in the Blizzard of 1978. Always proud of his service to our country, he was a longtime member and past commander of the AMVETS Post 1980 of Marlborough, a member of the Northborough American Legion Post 234, and a life member of the American Legion Post 132 of Marlborough. In 2012, he was honored as the “Veteran of the Year” by the City of Marlborough.
Jim worked for the Marlborough DPW for many years, retiring as the Assistant Superintendent of the Highway Department in 2003. After his retirement he worked with his wife as a driver for Shuttlebugs Inc. of MA.
Jim was an avid runner, finishing many marathons, including the 100th Boston Marathon, loved music and was a longtime member of the Marlborough Fish and Game and the Marlborough Moose Lodge 1129.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Patrick Holt of California; three daughters, Kate Gamache and her husband Christopher of Northborough, Laura Charron and her partner Aaron Blackstock of Hollis, N.H., and Sara Charron of Framingham; seven grandchildren, Olivia, William, Timothy, Cole, Jackson, Ella, and Amilia; three sisters, Judith Ryan of Acton, Mary Saltus and her husband Lloyd of Sudbury, and Pat Cumming and her husband Randy of Northborough; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by a daughter, Jaimie Goliger, and his former wife, Dawn (English) Holt.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 5 – 7 p.m., in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home (www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough. All state mandated Covid-19 precautions will be enforced. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m., at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 82 of Marlborough, 255 Main St. (Walker Building),
Room 110, Marlborough, MA 01752.
