Jay Rollin Holtzhouser

Jay Rollin Holtzhouser, 64, passed away on July 1, 2022 in Creve Coeur, MO with his family at his side. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jonelle Rollin Holtzhouser, his aunt Myra L. Sims and his cousin Dana York.

Jay was born in Atlanta, GA on August 3rd, 1957. Before long his mother settled in Cahokia, IL in the shadow of the Arch, where she taught elementary school and would raise Jay. As a child he cut off his big toe with a shovel, incessantly talked, and fell in love with music. This resulted in performing with the Muny Opera at age 12, band throughout high school, and higher education at Murray State University (Murray, KY) and University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) culminating in a B.S. in Music Education. He then spent a period as a band director and educator before applying his musical ability to the world of business consulting, working out of New York City for companies across the country. Eventually his love of music would lead him to law school at the University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) where he earned his Juris Doctorate, and began to practice law as an Assistant District Attorney. In the late 90’s Jay and his family moved to Robinson, IL where he would practice civil and criminal law until his retirement.
In non-professional terms, his love of music meant many performances as part of community orchestras and theater projects. He also loved spending time and money fishing with varying levels of success. As life progressed, he found joy in wood turning and planning RV trips with his wife Alice. Throughout his life he was a member of multiple civil and social organizations and would happily emcee any function as he cherished any chance to perform.

Those that loved Jay and whom Jay loved will cherish his memory for their remaining days. That large group includes his wife of 37 years Alice Middleton Holtzhouser and their children, Jason Holtzhouser (Denver, CO) and Emily Holtzhouser (Warsaw, IN); His in-laws John and Peggy Middleton, Joe and Diane Middleton, Tom Middleton and Ann Mudd, and Vincent York, as well as many nieces and nephews, beloved friends and acquaintances throughout the years.

Celebration of Life visitation for Jay Holtzhouser will be held on Saturday August 20, 2022 from 12pm-1pm at Hoffen Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL. Celebration of Life service at 1pm at the funeral home. Food and drinks will follow at RCasa Restaurant, 230 North Main, Columbia, IL from 2:00 to 5:00. Please feel free to join us for any or all of these events. Memorial contributions in memory of Jay may be made to The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 4207 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis, MO 63108 or to your local animal shelter.

Hoffen Funeral Home of Millstadt, IL is assisting the family.