James Harley "Jim" Holst, 77, of Bloomsdale died June 21, 2025. Mr. Holst 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. He grew up on the family farm and stayed busy helping his family. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps on July 21, 1965. He completed Individual Combat Training on Oct. 23, 1965, with the Second Infantry Training Regiment at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. He completed additional training as an ambulance driver and medic, serving two years overseas during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1968, and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. He returned home to Bloomsdale and went on to get his pilot's license at American Flyers in Ardmore, Okla. He retired as a meat manager from Schnucks after 39 years.
He loved hunting, fishing with his kids and the annual family Christmas tree hunt. He was known as a true gentleman, the life of the party and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed dancing to music, having a drink or two with his buddies and telling a good story or joke. He loved spending time and making memories with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his laughter and "charm.” Born Aug. 10, 1947, at the family farmhouse, he was the son of the late Mary "Patsy" Holst and Harley W. Holst.
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 preceded in death by a sister: Barbara Fischer.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Basler Funeral Home, 685 Center Drive, in Ste. Genevieve, officiated by Chaplain Fred Burgard from St. Francis Hospice. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2210 will follow in Concord Cemetery in Bloomsdale. Memorials may be made to Missouri Veterans Home Foundation in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are under the direction of Basler Funeral Home.