Jack Holt
January 8, 1921-March 24, 2006
Sober March 6, 1958
From Al Bennett in
Arizona
The thing about Jack that I will always cherish was his love of AA and the sick
alkie's,yes them damn powder-monkey's too, that came too the rooms of AA.
Jack's sense of humor and down to earth maxims are with me today and for that I
write with gratitude to a wonderful man.
I still remember his advise to me about self-pity... he had me go home take off
all my clothes and put a mirror in front of the comode. He then advise me
to take a take a seat, grab a roll of toilet paper and start wrapping it around
my head. So there I was sitting in front of the mirror... Damn
its hard to feel sorry for oneself when laughing so hard.
Thanks you Jack, it worked.
peace and love,
Al Bennett
From : Marilyn H.
I met Jack through his
grandson, who was my son's friend and college roommate. He helped them buy
a house together when they were just out of college. He was a wonderful
man and he has helped so many people Trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.
Thank you Jack for sharing your experience strength and hope with us.
Thank you for walking your talk, and most of all, thank you for being such a
wonderful example to others.
From Steve Miramontes:
My life was touched by
Jack Holt years before I ever met him. My "Little Big Brother" started
carrying the message to me in 1985. His sponsor was sponsored by Jack & the
ripple effect was doing the work of what I later learned was the one of the many
gifts of this program & the people like Jack. Dave gave me my first Big Book
in 1987, I didn't meet Al & Jack until 1992. Sometimes quickly, sometimes
slowly!
I've always responded to the men in my life that were "straight
up" and direct. Jack was one of those men. One of the best compliments I
could've received was from Jack was the time he told me that I reminded him of
himself. He told me, "Every time I see you, you have a Big Book in your
hand and one or more guys around you....you remind me of me when I was going
down to The Bears and draggin' guys off of their barstools and bringing them
into meetings."
I can only hope to keep this up throughout my life to be of service the
way we've been shown by those before us like Jack. We are truely blessed to have
this gift and to be lead in our sobriety by men like Jack. Let us all remember
this as we trudge this road. God Bless you Jack Holt!
From Marty S.
I am so glad you were
able to chair at the New Peoples Group. You have touched so many and will
continue to. peacemsammon
From Lance Weldgen
Thanks for your speaker
tapes that have meant so much in my sobriety. God indeed blessed us with a
great guy! My sincere condolences to all the family and close friends.
HUGS!!! Lance from colorful Colorado
7-1-82
From Sandra Guerrero
Larson
Dearest Jack,
Many years ago at a family thanksgiving dinner, you planted the seed of AA. Of
course at the time I wasn't sure I had a problem - i knew nothing of AA --but I
bet you did. In 1982, when I decided to go into recovery you were there
for me, visiting me in San Jose at the recovery hospital and when i was out in
the real world, saving a place for me at the table at St. Luke's with the
Tuesday nite gang. I spent many a night with you and Alice as I
"trudged the happy road" where i found such great hope and
comfort. I have watched throughout the years how much you did for so many
others -- your words of wisdom and strength provided me the courage to keep
moving forward many times when i didn't think i could, or didn't want to.
You have always been very special to me jack - you and gail adams were the two
angels that never left my side "no matter what". And you are and
will always be in my heart and soul. how can i every forget the man who
introduced me to the program that saved my life. You continue to "fly
with the eagles jack" - you are so loved and respected. always in my
heart......
From Ken Kelley
Jack is my sponsor, my friend, my teacher and a man who taught me about being a
man. I loved Jack. He was an inspiration. I will miss his smile and big heart.
From Nancy Henry
I am going to miss you Jack. When I arrived in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, I heard you speak, lightheartedly. I laughed when you spoke of Pettie. I understood that to stay sober and content, it was best not to be a rim runner. Jack, you are a wonderful person, and I will miss you greatly. You are truly the epitome of the program, and I am sure your spirit will live on through the love you gave others. God bless you Jack.
From Barbara
Hi Jack ^_^
I wanted to take a minute to say “Thank You” for being such a wonderful part
of my life. We met in 1979 when Jackie and I became friends and I was
still out there causing havoc. You and your wife Alice welcomed me into
your family, and it took many years for me to understand why that was so easy
for you. As I learned years later, it was because you understood exactly
what I was going through. I will never forget the day I got out of prison,
and you, Al and some others met me to take me to a meeting. Someone was
happy to point out that you had gathered 110 years of sobriety together to meet
me that day. That was one of the most significant days of my life, as I have
been sober, One Day At a Time, ever since. That was 16 years ago. I love
you as a daughter loves her father, and I will always think of you that way.
God truly blessed me, and when I think of you it will always put a smile on my
face, as you brought so much joy to all of us.
Welcome home !! I know that Alice is very happy to have you back at her
side. And, when the day comes, I know you will be there, one more time,
with open arms.
Love, Barbara
From Wes Morrill
I moved to Santa Clara
with a year and a half of sobriety in 1993. Within a short time, I met
Jack, Al, and Bud T...Ok Bud..."Bud Tollefson"...."In case you
need to call you won't find me under Bud". :-)
Jack to me was a pillar of down to earth A.A. Just the way my sponsor
taught me. "Take the Steps or die". I've taken the Steps
and miracles continue to happen. Folks like Jack are those that keep the
flame alive for so many thousands and millions of suffering alcoholics for whom
AA is the last house on the block.
My responsibility is to pass the message on to those who suffer as I've been
taught by Jack and all of you.
God Bless
From Sandy Collins:
Last night approx. 8:15,
our dear friend of many years, Jack Holt, passed away.
He had been ill for some time, and his passing is a blessing for him and his
family.
We will all remember Jack with smiles on our faces. He was just that kind
of guy. Each one of us can remember specific times we spent with Jack.
He was that kind of guy. Many people pass through our lives and we forget
them as the years pass. But not Jack. Jack we remembered. He
was just that kind of guy.
Jack flew with the eagles. He flew high and wide, touching lives along his
way. Lives that were changed just by being with him for a few hours or a
few moments. It didn't make any difference how long you were with Jack;
you always came away from him a little wiser and much happier. Was it ever
possible for anyone to walk away from Jack without a smile on their face??
I think not. Jack always left you feeling better about yourself.
Somehow you always felt taller after being around him. He was just that
kind of guy.
Jack had over 48 years of sobriety. He was an icon. I never knew
anybody to ever complain about Jack Holt. Your eyes just naturally lit up
whenever you even thought about him.
Yes, Jack flew with the eagles. And now he is resting in the Eagle's Nest.
Thanks, Jack, for giving me wings to fly.
You were just that kind of guy. I will remember you.
From David H
Jack chaired the first
meeting I ever went to at St. Lukes in Nov. 1985; I was 17. Jack was, well
through the eyes of a kid, old. I don't remember a single thing he said
that night but I still remember how I felt when he spoke.
It is only with 20/20 hindsight I am able to articulate what I learned that
night:
1. The power of one drunk talking to another. I was overwhelmed by Jack's
knowledge of my thinking and his clarity in explaining it from the podium.
He gave me HOPE that people understood my problem.
2. I do remember learning that night that any idiot could stay sober for 24
hours. Of course, I was no idiot so I developed complicated justifications
and work a rounds to that concept. When I finally did come back to stay
for a while, I accepted the SIMPLICITY of this program.
3. That night Al was there, I did not know who he was but Al and Jack both spoke
and bantered back and forth about their drinking days. My drinking buddy,
Bill G, was sitting next to me. He elbowed me and said "look dude,
that's going to be us in 25 years, ha-ha". I have shared FELLOWSHIP
with Bill G for a many years now, and I charish the deep and meaningful
friendship we have.
So Jack, thank you for giving me HOPE, planting the seed of SIMPLICITY that
drove me to pick up the kit of tools laid at my feet in the book, and giving me
insight into true friendship and FELLOWSHIP. A part of you was in my heart
everyday you were here, and will be in my heart everyday in the future.
I have a Jack H. of my own now. He is almost 10. I hope I can raise him to
shine as brightly in others lives as you did in mine.
-David Hague (3/17/87)
From Tom Tucker
Dear Jack,
You were the first sober man to teach me its ok to talk with men. My Dad
died a lifelong alcoholic.
I want to thank you and Alice for bringing me into your home to take my 5th step
over 35 years ago. We were sitting on the lounge chairs for hours and
Alice seemed to know exactly the right time to offer us some lunch or snack.
God Bless you and your entire family and even petey the bird that chased the dog
around the house after you gave him a few shots.
Tom Tucker D.O.S 3-1-70
From Pamela Lasich
"You are always an
example~
either a good example or a bad example~
the choice is up to you"
To Jack Holt, his wonderful example inspired and helped me
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to know him
That sweet smile, his eyes twinkling as GOD worked through him
I am sincerely humbled by the privilege to share a path with him
Love and Gratitude know no end
Jack lives on in every life he touched, a countless number that also knows no
end, making our world a better place ~ forever
From Daughter Jackie,
Dad, my life will never be the same without you. Because of values you and mom instilled in me, I will be the best I can be. I am so proud to be your daughter. I see so much of you and mom in me. I was so fortunate to see how lives can change thru AA. You gave your heart and soul to the program. I know how many lives were touched by you. Thank you for letting learn my own strengths. Mom's illness and yours changed my life and my children's lives for the better. We learned how to Pay Forward and give completely...thank you for being my DAD, I am forever grateful.
Love Jackie
From Matt R. Campbell d.o.s. 9/20/87
We will all miss the
"petey" stories & the Drunk in the bathtub who drank the shampoo!
luv, Matt R. Campbell d.o.s. 9/20/87
From Craig S.
I met Jack just a couple
of months before his wife, Alice, died. I was sure her death would kill him.
Yet, three days after she died, Jack was at a meeting, and smiling.
I have admired his courage and his wisdom ever since.
From Tim and The Boys from ShatterStreet
Jack you always were
there for us when we came into town to play & needed a place to stay for the
weekend. You were a complete gentleman & host!
Thank you for letting the 5 of us take over your home.
From Mike Custer
My Dear Jack, I never
knowed you but to have 48 years in the AA program / fellowship gives us all hope
that the program works if we work it. May God bless you and yours always are my
prayers. You will be missed by many but never forgotten. Thank you for being a
part of AA and for sharing your ESH with so many. My deepest condolence to your
family and friends. God bless, love to all, Mike Custer, Dayton, Ohio...
From Grandson Ron
To my loving grandfather
who I will surely miss. It was you who I used to call when I got good grades, It
was you who helped me by my first car, It was you who took me to sign up for the
Ironworkers and it was you who bought me my first guitar and it was you who was
always there for me when ever I needed you. and now you are gone. I will always
remember you, and everything you did for me. Thanks for teaching me how to be a
man I,ll love you forever Grandpa I'll miss you love Ron.
From Bill Watson
To My Grand sponsor, who
will always be in me and for the years that you helped me in my sobriety.
I love you Jack, you were there for me when I was building my foundation in AA.
I loved your sense of humor and your positive attitude. You were a great
teacher.
I will always be grateful that you were in my life.
Love, Bill Watson
From Patty Watson
Dear Jack,
You were one of the first people that I met when I came into AA. I loved
listening to you while you were sharing your experience, strength and hope with
all of us.
I saw in you so much kindness, honesty, and a willingness to help others.
I wanted to be like you.
You helped me build my AA foundation in a rock, by working the 12 steps and
helping others.
I have so much love and respect for you and I will always remember you and your inspirational
teachings. For that I am truly grateful.
Love, Patty Watson
From Jack M.
Godspeed! I only had the
opportunity to meet you one time in my early sobriety, but I remember that as if
it were yesterday!
Many thanks for the inspiration to keep coming back, One Day At A Time!
From Julia S.
I Will cherish the memories of Jack's sparkling eyes, his hearty laugh, and his
earthy wisdom...he taught me that "if you don't take the first drink, you
can't get drunk"...and "I'm here because I WANT to be here!"
I love you, Jack. My prayers are with his family and his AA family.
From James Murray:
I did not know Jack
personally very well; I'd seen him (and had the honor of hearing him) many times
at various meetings throughout the years. Two things I'll never forget: he
was ALWAYS optimistic, positive and extremely welcoming to one and all,
strangers and intimate friends, and (related to the last note) he unfailingly
greeted me with enthusiasm and warmth whenever I went up to shake hands with him
to say "hello" . . . he rarely remembered me personally yet always
made me feel as if he was truly happy to see me. (We need more of that in our
program these days, IMHO.) What a rare and consistent living express of
the Love of our program! I shall miss him and his example.
From Johnny O'Boy
Jack's advise to me:
Keep your head in the clouds and
Your feet firmly planted on the earth.
Quite a trick, try it.
From Judy S
Whew! its taken me days to write because
I just cant think of a way to capture all that Jack has meant to me. We
originally shared the same sobriety date - March 6th and when I was new he'd put
his finger in my chest and pound me telling me "work the steps or die"
"they work for you powder monkeys too!" then he'd laugh that wonderful
laugh and give me a huge barreling hug. He was special in more ways than I could
ever express.
I want to thank Alice for always being so gracious about sharing Jack with us
and my love to Johnny O and Al E.
Hey Jack, give my dad a hug I know he's glad youre there with him now and you
guys have a great meeting up there.
Remembering Jack
With Gusto!
By
Pat Gallagher
Cause you want the words to be simple and true
Jack was a poet as many here know
He wrote to his family and friends he loved so.
He wrote about God
and he wrote about prayer
And he wrote about principles he wanted to share.
His life was a poem, a spiritual song,
One filled with gusto, one that was strong.
He carried the message, “Be a part of”!
His motto was action - not merely talk
As all of us saw, he sure walked the walk.
His generous heart was open to all
He’d help you get up if you happened to fall.
“Keep on keeping on” was a prime Jack Holt tool.
He taught us all things we could not learn in school.
Things like “Carry
the message”. Don’t carry the “mess”
“Live so you honor the things you profess”
“Give freely to others the things you receive”
“Act as if and you’ll come to believe”
When Jack was away in a long ago war.
Then fighting a new battle that alcohol brought
And finding the answer that they always sought.
He usually followed where ever she led!
So this time she led him to Heavenly rest…
And God said to Jack, “Thanks for giving your best!”
How blessed we all are to have you for a friend!
From Joe Brown
Jack, you have always been a teacher to me. You've been a shining example, not only of a giver of love in Alcoholics Anonymous, but how to be a good man, a good husband and a good father. Thank you for all you have given to me and my family.
From Jerry Head
Jack was truly a beacon
that will continue to shine forever through his legacy of men he has sponsored.
He was my grand sponsor and helped me so much in my early sobriety. I'll never
forget that Saturday morning when Jack chaired the Men's "Thank Tank"
meeting and I with about 4 months sober asked, when will I be
"Normal" again? He replied with that mischievous chuckle of his,
"You ain't there yet! You'll know when you don't need to ask anymore."
I'll never forget his constant but simple reminder, "You can't get drunk if
you don't take that first drink"
From Russ Muller
God is love, and he that
dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him.
Jack Holt’s Life is the evidence of God’s Love. Jack’s Cup runneth over
with Love
From Cece Garrison
When I got out of
treatment, Jack Holt and the old timers at the Saturday Gratitude Meeting at 400
West Campbell elected me secretary of the meeting. It was a six month
commitment. That was in 1985. I have been sober ever since. Thank you Jack, for
being an example of "giving it away in order to keep it". Thanks for
allowing me to pass it on!
From Mark Decker
Jack....you gave me hope
and helped me to learn to laugh. You have me a definition....You inspired me to
be a family man...you started me on a journey that has been so great. I
will miss you
From Lenore Madden
The first time I heard
Jack share was at the Fresno conference in 1983...I had a whopping 60 days.
He was larger than life, and became one of my AA heroes. I always loved
hearing him when he stopped in at SNL, or when he brought us home at 400 W.
Campbell on Sunday nights. He inspired me to not only do this 'thing' with
gusto, but to laugh with gusto as well. His message has never left my
heart. God Bless you, Jack. And say hi to 'Petey' for me!
With much love and respect, Lenore Madden
From Jeff Gallagher
Mere words can not
express the deep level of gratitude I feel for having known Jack Holt. I came to
AA a snot nosed know it all punk kid, and from the very first time I met him I
felt like her cared about me more than most people I had ever met. He was the
first person who's footsteps I wanted to follow. He was a giant to me, yet he
treated me like I belonged. If I can be half the man Jack was in his dealings
with me, and the people I watched him with, I will be a better man than I ever
believed possible. Thanks Jack.
From Scott Smith
Some of my earliest
memories of my Father, Burt Smith, being sober were those spent at
"meetings after the meetings", pot-lucks, and get-togethers with his
group of new friends...which always seemed to include Jack.
Jack strongly influenced my dad's early-in-recovery decision to go to Asilomar
as an annual event.
One of the proudest moments of my Father's sober life was the time he
co-chaired a Tri-County Speaker Meeting with Jack and "Little Ed"
Tansey, who were, in his own words, the "kind of men who just made you feel
glad to be alive."
Thank you, Jack, for all you gave my Father. And because of that, all he was
able to give me. It is, as we say here, a debt that can never truly be repaid.
Scott Smith
Paul Comey
Thanks for keeping me Sober Jack. Words can NOT describe the INCREDIBLE blessing Jack gave to us all. He will truly be missed.
From Bud G
When I was new and scared
and depressed, Jack's Thursday night "close" always got me laughing
and sent me home on a high I'd not known before.
Thank you, Jack, and God speed.
From Bunny Kelley
On one of my few visits
to San Jose, Gene suggested that I stop by and see Jack, that he didn't get out
to many meetings. I stopped by his house and stood on his doorstep.
When he answered the door I said, "Jack, its me, Bunny" to which he
replied (with Gusto) I know who you are, Bunny, come on in and sit down!"
Which I did and we had nice chat that I will remember always.
I occasionally find myself scratching my watch and winding my ass and think
lovingly of Jack and what he has meant to so many. Whenever I hear someone
share up here and they use that phrase, I know they knew Jack and am comforted
by it.
Soar with the eagles my friend. I will think of you when they fly over
here.
From Gary Meade:
Jack was an inspiration to me for many years. When I doubted my need to attend a
meeting, I always tried to think about what jack or Al would do-I went to the
meeting. The fact that they always showed love and tolerance to men like me has
been a guide to my relations with others. God bless you always, Jack.
From Lynn S:
My love is sent to you on angels' wings
From: Joanie (Carney)
Ellison
The greatest knowing that
I have received from the program of Alcoholics Anonymous is that "ONE
PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE."
Because someone was available to make a difference for Jack, Jack became
available to make a difference for my father, John Carney.
Because of that difference, my family changed for good and for God.
I am thankful for the opportunities I have had over the years, though sometimes
brief and infrequent, to see Jack. He had a way of making me feel remembered and
cherished. He would take my hand and smile. He always had something nice to say.
Though we did not know each other well, Jack was always welcoming.
I particularly enjoyed hearing him tell stories of getting out after "the
wet ones." He had quite a colorful recovery.
I shall be eternally thankful for his profound impact on my father - as his
"sponsor" and long-time friend.
The rippling effect that Jack's life continues to have, is a tribute to his
faith and commitment to recovery and a Power Greater than himself. Truly, A
Pebble in a Pond.
He has succeeded in Passing It On.
Thank you Jack for all that you have given. Thank you, to God and Jack's family,
for Jack.
From Gene Marshal:
Jack Holt was my Sponsor
and Friend for 22 1/2 years.
He touched my life and heart. He was "A Message Carrier."
I will always hear him saying "If you don't take the 1st drink, you can't
get drunk." God Bless you Jack and your family. You are missed.
Gene Marshall
From Pat Chambers:
Sweet
Jack, thank you for being my Beacon of Hope, for turning a bad day into a good
one with your smile, for teaching me I am Responsible and so many many more
things. For the past 24 years you have given me hope. I will always
remember seeing you and Al's faces when I moved back in '95. You put the
sunshine and Gusto back into my life then and on so many other occasions.
Put a chip on a chair up there for me and give my Love to everyone. God
has truly Blessed us all with the gift of you, you are a "Message
Carrier" My deepest sympathy to your family and Love to you always,
Pat Chambers