James "Herb" Herbert Aderholdt

James Herbert Aderholdt, 88 of SE Huntsville, AL passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Herb was born in Jacksonville, AL on April 9, 1931. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty Aderholdt, his wife for more than 60 years; his parents, Ferroll and Mattie R. Aderholdt. Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Erin Michelle Aderholdt of Huntsville and Kristel Schmidt (Eric Blake) of Jupiter, FL; three brothers, Meredith (Maggie), Charles (Charlotte) and Dan (Judy) Aderholdt; two grandsons, Nick and Cody Schmidt. Herb Aderholdt grew up in Bonnie Brook, Alabama. He was drafted into the Army after high school and became a computer programmer, a new field at that time, for the Civil Service after his Honorable Discharge from the Army. After he married Betty, they raised two daughters, first in Weaver, Alabama and then in Huntsville. Herb managed to retire at the age of 55, therefore benefitting a longer retirement than work history. As a youngster and into middle age, Mr. Aderholdt built and flew model airplanes. This interest in aviation led him to take lessons and get his pilot’s license in the 1980’s. Once he obtained his license, he rarely flew because he said it was too expensive. Getting the license had been the goal, not continuing to fly. Herb had a knack for mechanics and loved tinkering with his cars throughout his life. He spent years painstakingly restoring an antique Bantam Roadster, spending hours picking through junk yards, his “Gardens of Eden”, looking for parts. He was a member of the Twickenham Auto Club for over 30 years. He was still racing up until the time of his death at 88 years. Racing was his one guilty pleasure and he received countless awards, plaques, and medals from TAC. Herb’s other hobbies were doing crossword puzzles, reading, building model cars, going for long walks, fixing whatever had recently broken, and listening to his short wave radio for anything he found interesting. Herb once described himself as, “the guy who didn’t say much”. While it is true that Herb was a man of few words, his behavior spoke volumes about how to comport oneself as a man of worth: open the door for ladies, never drive by a stranded motorist, and always convey a gentle spirit. You may visit with the family on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. Funeral Services, officiated by Dr. David Freeman of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church will begin at 2:00pm in Valhalla’s Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Herb’s memory. Please leave fond memories and condolences for the entire Aderholdt family at www.valhallafunerals.com.