James Arlice Holt

James Arlice Holt, age 21, of Tellico Plains, gained his angel wings on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 while his family and caregivers surrounded him with love.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Arlice Boring, Howard Bunch, Robert (Bob) and Jena Stamey Holt, Sr.; honorary grandparents, Jack and Betty Holt.

James attended Shady Grove Baptist Church. In the summer he loved going to all the local churches for Bible School.  He enjoyed playing baseball and riding his four-wheeler. James found a real passion through the 4-H Club in raising chickens, and was given the nickname “Chicken King”. He had a gift of conversation and would effortlessly turn strangers into friends everywhere he went, especially at Walmart. His smile would light up any room and brighten everyone’s day.

He is survived by his parents, Bobby and Sonya Holt; brother and sister-in-law, Robby and Whitney Holt; grandmother, Madell Bunch; nieces and nephews Tressia, Trevor, and Tanner Standridge; aunts and uncles, Fretta Bunch, Novella and Gerald Williams, Jerry and Ada Mae Bunch, James (Junior) and Judy Bunch, Farron and Brenda Bunch; lifelong friend, Bo Elliot; lots of great-aunts, great- uncles, and many cousins and special friends. Special thank you to the nurses, David Jenkins, Pansy Prock, Joe Davis, Samantha Dalton, Julia Hall, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Elk Valley.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Myers Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. B.J. Wall and Chris Hollinghead officiating. Family and Friends will assemble at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2025 and proceed to Shady Grove Cemetery for the 2:00 p.m. committal service. CJ Atkins, Luke Keller, David Jenkins, Bo Elliott, Kaden Harrill, Keenan Meyers, Farron Bunch, Jeff Holloway will serve as pallbearers. Reggie Elliott will serve an honorary pallbearer. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.