John Jay Holt

John Jay Holt, age 58, of Buckeye Lake, Ohio passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, October 8, 2018. He was born on May 9, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio to Jan (Durthaler) Holt and the late John Holt. John enjoyed a career in real estate and home construction, making dreams become a reality. John will continue on in the hearts and lives of those who loved him and whom he loved well : his wife Karen; mother Jan; children and their spouses Sarah and Sheldon Lambert, Jay and Cambria Holt; grandchildren Erika, Sierra, Andrew, Sarah, Laura, Carter, Hayden, Rebecca, Leeanna, Presley; former spouse Joyce Luchsinger; brothers and sisters Joe, Chris, Jenny; in-laws; many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. The impact John made in the lives of others will go on and on. John loved Jesus and John loved sharing Jesus with others. He was remarkable at doing just that. He shared what Jesus had done for him and how it was available to them too. He cared a lot about young people and helping them make good choices and develop values and skills. So he helped start Franklinton Rising, a Christ-based program which teaches youth construction skills. He taught Bible studies at the Refuge men's addiction recovery program. John also went on multiple medical mission trips to Haiti and prayed for every patient. He always put Christ in the center. John's wonderful smile came straight from his heart and was always present. He loved people and he lived out the walk as Jesus taught. Throughout his long fight with cancer John was a beacon of light, never complaining, never wavering from his ultimate hope, always grateful to God, and always praying with and for nurses, doctors, and other patients. Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. A celebration of his life will be held on November 3 at Grace Fellowship - Pickerington Campus, 1449 Refugee Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147. Calling hours will begin at 1 pm, a celebration service at 2 pm with fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Refuge Ministries, P.O. Box 163173, Columbus, OH 43216 https://therefugeohio.org/pray-serve-give/ or Three Strands , P.O. Box 753, Winona Lake, IN 46590 www.three-strands.org

John Jay Holt

May 9, 1960 - October 8, 2018