James Robert Holder, 97, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 28, 2016. James was born on October 6, 1919 in Monroe, Indiana to William and Gladys Holder. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gene Holder and Rudy Holder, his wife of 60 years, Helen Havicus Holder and grandchildren Rhonda Faye Holder, James Douglas Holder and Todd Edward Holder.
Jim married the love of his life, Helen Elizabeth Havicus on October 5, 1940 in Bloomington, Indiana. He was called for military duty with the Army Air Corps in June of 1944 until 1945. Jim left Indiana with Helen and their six sons and made their home in Corpus Christi, Texas, in August of 1952. They began Holder Refrigeration, Inc. in the mid 1950's. Their company grew to become one of the premier commercial refrigeration and air conditioning companies in South Texas.
In 1985 they ventured to Prescott, Arizona to begin a Whataburger Restaurant business. Jim and Helen later returned to the refrigeration business in Corpus Christi until their retirement in 1996. They continued their love for adventure and travel throughout the U.S. They especially loved Arizona. Jim's love for photography allowed him to share his experiences and God's beautiful creation with his children and grandchildren. Many hours were spent at the kitchen table with his photographs and stories of his adventures. In his later years as he spent more time at home with his Schnauzer he was an avid fan of NASCAR.
Jim loved his church and was a faithful member of Bible Believers Baptist Church. He spent his life serving the Lord and caring for his family. He lived his life with honesty, compassion and courage. His greatest example was his love for others. He was cherished; our father, grandfather, and friend.
Jim is survived by his six children, Jim and his wife Jan of Burnet, Texas, Gene and his wife Beatrice of Woodsboro, Texas, Richard and his wife Linda of Refugio, Texas, Robert of Beeville, Texas, Edward and his wife Marie of Corpus Christi, Texas, Douglas and his wife Wanda of Corpus Christi, Texas. James is also survived by thirty one grandchildren, eighty seven great grandchildren and thirty seven great, great grandchildren and three nephews.
Family will receive friends and family on Monday, October 31, 2016 at Guardian funeral home chapel "A" from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Bible Believers Baptist Church 1701 Rand Morgan Rd. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens cemetery.