James "Bootie" E. Holson - Obituary

ames Egbert Holson, “Bootie”, age 92, of Ocean View, DE and formerly of Camp Springs, MD passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Born on October 3, 1931 in Washington, DC to the late Edward William and Catherine Ann Sweeney Holson, Bootie was married to the love of his life, “Patsy” for 67 years. Together, they raised a large family of 14 children in the home that they built in Camp Springs, MD. After retiring, they moved to Bethany Beach, DE, enjoying their golden years together. Bootie worked 35 years for the District Government in the sheet metal trade. He retired and started a family owned business, J&J Contractors, specializing in sheet metal and roofing. He was very active in his church, St. Philip the Apostle, volunteering for both the church and the school. He coached Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) baseball and Camp Springs Boys Club Football and he left a lasting impression on the kids as a positive influence and mentor. He was a huge fan of the Washington Nationals baseball team, enjoyed a good game of poker and a lucky slot machine. He played fast pitch softball in the Guy Mason Metropolitan League, and was inducted into the Fast Pitch Hall of Fame along with his oldest son, Jimmy. His life was well lived. Bootie was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Hill Holson; his children, Mary Christine Delinski, James Joseph Holson and Bonita Jean Watson and his siblings, Joseph, Edward and Anthony Holson and Mary Anne Holson Friello. He is survived by his children, Catherine Waltersdorff, Barbie Lloyd, Pat Holson, Vicki Farri, Maureen Taylor, Joan Emrick, Ann Horak, Paula Anderson, Michael Holson, Jeannine Schaefer and Mark Holson. He is also survived by 40 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Bootie's life at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD on Thursday, June 27 from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Bootie’s name be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.