James W. Holtry, 68, of Lebanon, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at his residence. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis S. (Mcquerry) Holtry.

Born in Franklin County, PA, on April 26, 1956, he was the son of the late Wallace A. and Anna (Helfrick) Holtry.

Jim graduated from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He spent nearly 40 years advocating for children and retired in 2019 as the Executive Director of Lebanon County Children and Youth. Jim made a big impact on so many people’s lives.

He was a member of the Masonic Cumberland Valley Lodge 315 and the CB Sportsmen’s Club. He was also a member of the Lebanon County Community Health Council, where he oversaw the development of a number of community initiatives designed to promote healthy living and family recreation, such as the Healthy Kids Day, the Under 20 Festival, and the Youth Only Day of Fishing, where he helped foster his love of the outdoors in Lebanon County families.

In his spare time, you could find him fishing, hiking, hunting, gardening, watching the Phillies and the Steelers, coming up with new meals to try, and spending time with his family, who were his pride and joy.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two children, Ryan J. Holtry, of Lebanon, and Kensley E. Wentling, wife of Nate, of Annville; two sisters, Sue Holtry, wife of Lyle, of New Cumberland, and Debra Weaver, of Shippensburg; and two grandchildren, Adley and Weston Wentling.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, 615 Cumberland St., #2, Lebanon, PA 17042, or to the Liberty Fire Company, 509 N. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17046, where he was a member.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Annville, is handling arrangements.