Daniel Jordan Holtz

Daniel Jordan Holtz was born Sunday, March 14, 1993, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. He left his earthly body on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center from liver and kidney failure at the age of 32.

Daniel spent most of his life in Johnson City. He attended Cherokee Elementary School, Indian Trail Middle School, and graduated Science Hill High School, class of 2011.

Those left to mourn Daniel’s passing include his mother and stepfather, Deborah & Patrick Costello III, Johnson City, TN; and his father and stepmother, David & Donna Holtz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is also survived by half-sister, Shana (Sam) Newland, of Washington, Indiana; step-siblings: Karen Costello, Phoenix, AZ, Patrick Costello IV, Johnson City, TN; Nicholas (Chelsea) Costello, Fultonville, NY; Krystal (Justin) Clark, Johnson City, TN, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and special cousin Tonya (Bart) Parker, Morristown, TN.

Daniel was the most handsome, intelligent, caring, compassionate, sensitive, patient, and kind person that I ever knew, and the world lost a truly special man. He started his fearless adventures at the age of three (3) when he took his training wheels off his bicycle all by himself. He must have been born with a knowledge of tools because he knew how to use all of them and he was a natural at teaching others.

He loved riding and going fast on dirt bikes, motorcycles, and his Miata. He had an early “career” in dirt bike racing which took him to various racetracks in TN, VA, GA, NC, and SC. He was expected to go Pro but a wrist injury ended any hope in continuing competitive riding. He was a very skilled driver and could be found gliding in the snow and ice with the Miata. He was one of the only remaining skating carhops when he was employed at Sonic, Elizabethton, TN, and he was fast on those wheels as well.

His Appalachian Trail hiking name is Kindness and it fit him perfectly. He loved to be outdoors camping and hiking. He really enjoyed the time spent employed at USA Raft, Erwin, TN. He always looked forward to attending the annual Appalachian Trail Days Celebration in Damascus, VA. He was recently “pinned” as a new member of the Appalachian Trail Riff Raff group which bestows acts of kindness on other hikers.

When he wasn’t outside, he would be inside making something or learning how to make something. Daniel was a welder and enjoyed doing projects for his neighbors. He made custom Swiss Army knives and his work was perfection. He would not send out a knife unless it was flawless. He has knives in almost 20 countries and was recognized by Victorinox (Swiss Army knife manufacturer) for his excellent customized work. He also liked to make things. He had a lathe on which he was self-taught and made many unique gadgets and trinkets. He was skilled in leatherworking, woodworking, and sewing. There was very little that Daniel could not either repair or make. He was always trying to make things work better or easier to operate.

Even with a plethora of God-given talents, Daniel was unable to see himself in a positive way. He struggled with loneliness, depression, and isolation even though he loved being around people. Alcohol was the way he coped with a world which was not kind to such a sensitive, intelligent person. Daniel was sober eight (8) years but once again the depression and loneliness sought solace in alcohol. After numerous attempts at sobriety, he again beat the alcohol and was 47 days sober at the time of his passing. Satan does not seek to consume evil people because they are not going to Heaven anyways. And the devil fought so hard for Daniel’s soul, but he absolutely lost. Daniel told his family he was able to make things right with God before he passed. What a blessing to give himself and his family!

Daniel received excellent care from all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Franklin Woods Hospital, Greeneville Community Hospital, JCMC, and Dr. Collins and staff at the Washington County Health Department. Their care and concern was a huge blessing to our family.

For the people who called, visited, sent texts, and prayed for Daniel’s healing, we sincerely thank you. He was very aware of everyone’s heartfelt concern and hope for healing. We were all certain that he was on a path of healing right up until his kidneys unexpectedly failed and all medical measures failed to restore them.

Graveside services will be held in The Sermon on the Mount at Monte Vista Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM. All are invited to attend and if so lead, to say a few words about your fondest memories of Daniel. This obit was lovingly written by Daniel’s mother, Deborah Costello.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Holtz family by visiting www.montevistafunerals.com.

Arrangements especially for Mr. Daniel Jordan Holtz and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.