James Holtz

James William Holtz was born in Omaha, Nebraska on the 12th of September 1952, to Virginia and Leroy Holtz. He sadly passed away suddenly on Tuesday, the 25th of May 2021, in Lakeway, Texas, at 68 years of age.

As an air force brat, James spent his childhood frequently on the move, living in various places such as Anchorage, Alaska, Del Rio, Texas, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, and Wiesbaden, Germany, where he graduated from General H.H. Arnold High School. He attended the University of Wyoming, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He then moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law. It was there he met his beloved wife, Susan Wright, at a Law Wives’ Club party for first year students. James and Susan were married in San Antonio, Texas, on the 30th of May 1981.

James’ legal career began in Corpus Christi, Texas where he worked for the City Attorney’s Office. Thereafter, he moved to Houston and worked as a Hearing Officer for the EEOC. He then worked as a Special Education Due Process Hearing Officer for the State of Texas for over twenty-five years and as a Mediator of Special Education disputes for over thirteen years. He subsequently represented parents of children with disabilities in all aspects of special education law and was a frequent speaker on school law issues. He broadened his practice to include commercial litigation and real estate matters, proudly partnering with his son, Will, in their Dallas office.

James had a zest for life and an adventurous spirit. He completed six marathons in cities including New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, and, his favorite, Houston. He summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Rainer and he traversed the Grand Canyon. He was also passionate in his support of Nebraska football and the Houston Astros.

Above all else, James loved his family. The real joy of his life was spending time with his two boys, Will and Teddy, who following in his footsteps, both became attorneys. He enjoyed attending and even coaching their sports teams. He loved spending time at his weekend home in Lakeway, Texas, especially hosting family get-togethers at Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and birthdays. He loved to travel. Family vacations were very special to him, including ski trips to Beaver Creek, Colorado, a spring break trip to Hawaii, and many trips to Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. One of his favorite trips was to Italy in 2017, the highlight of which was celebrating his birthday at his favorite hotel, Villa d’Este on Lake Como. Perhaps, his favorite overseas trip was his final one: a Northern European cruise in 2019 enjoyed with Susan and his close friends, Sandy and Terry Cohen.

James’ faith in Christ was his foundation. He was truly selfless and conducted himself with integrity and honor, always going the extra mile for someone in need. Devoted, kind, and outgoing, he was loved and admired by family and friends.

James was predeceased by his parents, Virginia and Leroy Holtz; sisters, Janet Holtz and Judy Prior; and parents-in-law, H.P. and Barbara Wright. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Susan Wright; sons, William and Edward “Teddy”; brother, John Holtz; sister- and brother-in-law, Sharon and Gibson Henington; nephew, Jack Henington; brother-in-law, Perry Prior; nieces, Jennifer and Brittany Prior; and many cousins and dear friends.

A memorial service and celebration of life is to be conducted at half-past eleven o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 3rd of June, in the Sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Rev. Josef Klam will officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Fellowship Hall.

The family will gather for a private internment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to Children at Risk, at childrenatrisk.org.