James J. Von Holt Died September 8, 2020

James J. Von Holt

1952 - 2020 

OMENA – James John Von Holt, 68, died peacefully from natural causes on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 doing what he loved, working on his cherry farm.  His love for his land was only surpassed by the love for his family.

Jim was born February 2, 1952, the son of Ronald and Dorothy (Witkop) Von Holt who predeceased him.  On August 23, 2003 in Northport, he married Eugenie Scott Von Holt, who survives.

Jim was a fourth generation Von Holt to run the family farm.  Many in the region and beyond considered Jim to be the best cherry farmer in the area.  He was keenly aware of his obligation to stand proudly on the shoulders of those who preceded him.  And, just as importantly, to perpetuate that progression together with his wife Eugenie and nephew Wyatt.  Since his earliest years, driving his John Deere pedal tractor, Jim sensed his connection to the land.

He took great pride in his farm.  Jim challenged himself to bring out the best in the land.  That is why the farm was always meticulously groomed, with rarely a weed to be found.  He loved to work the land, particularly getting a field ready for a new planting.  Jim was a strong supporter of the farming community.  He was consistently rooting for small farmers and particularly young farmers.  He was always available when someone had a question saying, “I’m not sure if it is the right way but this is what I do.  If you are going to grow something, grow it the best you can.”  In the past few years Jim worked with his daughter, Sonja, who is in the Ag business.  They were able to teach each other things about farming and create a friendship beyond a father/daughter.

Jim graduated in 1970, the last class to graduate from the old brick Northport Public School.  There Jim made many life-long friends and enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada with them and playing Friday morning poker.  His larger than life presence touched all who he met.  He was loved and respected by many.

Jim and Eugenie loved their Corvette rides around the county.  They enjoyed their travels including honeymooning in Istanbul, Turkey; catching a 300lb yellow fin tuna on a 24ft ponga in Mexico; driving adventures to the Southwest National Parks; exploring Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks; shrimping and fishing in the Charleston SC tidal basins; exploring the Hawaiian Islands in a Jeep; ziplining in Costa Rica; searching for redbud and dogwood in bloom in the Smokey Mountains; and collecting artwork during their travels.

Jim enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting, drama, and robotics events.  He was surprised how much he enjoyed 8-man football following the team even after his grandson had graduated.  He was very proud of all his grandkids and their accomplishments.

Jim was a curious and interested man, whose thirst for knowledge fed his love of history, particularly family history.  He found peace out on Bass Lake fishing from the same land that his great-grandfather first settled when he came to Leelanau County.

Along with his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Sonja (Todd) Morton, Jaime (Dan) Bardenhagen; his grandchildren, Stephanie and Zachary Morton, Daniel and Justin Bardenhagen; his sister, Sandra (Doug) McCoy; his nephew, Wyatt (Stephanie Fineout) McCoy; and great-nephew, Dougie; and great-niece, Kylie.

Per Jim’s request there is no funeral.

If you would like to remember Jim, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Robotics c/o Suttons Bay Schools ,PO Box 367, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or to the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, PO Box 818, Northport, MI 49670 and/or to the Northport Sportsmen’s Club at PO Box 373, Northport, MI 49670.

“The farmer is the only person in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways” J.F.K

“That’s Farming” J.V.H

Please share condolences with Jim’s family below or on the funeral home Facebook page: