FRANKLIN
The ultimate do-it-yourselfer before DIY was cool, Jimmy Allen Holzhausen never shied away from a project. Born January 11, 1949, in Farina, Illinois to Johnnie and Dorothy (Pickel) Holzhausen (both deceased). Jim grew up in a small Illinois farm town. He was #3 of 6 boys: Galen (Susan) Holzhausen, Florida; Darrell (Linda) Holzhausen, Illinois; Glen (Judy) Holzhausen, North Carolina; Kenny (Vicki) Holzhausen, Illinois; and Chris Holzhausen, Illinois. After graduating from North Clay High School in Louisville, Illinois, Jim attended Sam’s Technical Institute where he earned his associate degree in electronics. It was during his time at Sam’s that Jim met the love of his life, Constance (Connie) Rae Daglish at a drive-in movie theater. Their 54-year love affair became permanent when they married on February 7, 1970.
Jim and Connie set up house in Columbus, Indiana as Jim started his 41-year career with Public Service of Indiana (Duke Energy). The young couple was soon blessed with three children: Stephanie (Chris) Hendricks of Tennessee &Indiana; Bradley (Melissa) Holzhausen of Whiteland; and Scott Holzhausen of Franklin. Soon after the family of five transferred to Connersville, Indiana as Jim took a new role with Public Service. After a quick 2-year tour, the family moved to Franklin, Indiana where their roots became permanent.
Jim was always involved in his family and community. Over the years he was a t-ball coach, baseball coach, Cub Scout Master, and to this day a lifelong Girl Scout. Let’s face it, if camping and fishing were sports in the 70’s, Jim would have been a champion.
When Jim was not busy spending time with the children you would find him racing go-carts, square dancing with the Red-Hot Swingers or the Merry Mixers. As the kids got older, Jim was often found at the homework table tutoring algebra or deciphering word math problems. He spent weekends with the Franklin Community High School Band Boosters too. There was nothing that he could not solve. He always wanted his family to have what they needed. He modeled his strong work ethic by never missing a day of work, always doing what he said he would do, and supporting everyone he came in contact with. Jim loved an adventure which for him came in many forms.
As the kids grew and married seven grandchildren came to be: Amanda (Mike) Hendricks-Dixon of Indianapolis; Amy (Heath) Barkdull of Brownsburg; Jake Holzhausen Beaver Creek, Colorado; Tabaitha Holzhausen, Whiteland; Johnnie Holzhausen, US Navy Bangor, Washington; Ashlynn Holzhausen, Franklin; and Taniqua (Tommy) Schadenfroh of Franklin. Jim, or Poppy, took on a new role of making rocking chairs and rocking horses. One of his favorite pastimes was dressing up as Santa Claus to deliver that special Christmas gift early each Christmas morning. This also earned him the name of The Pokey Grinch. Once again, he began attending ballgames, school programs, dance recitals, and marching band contests, always without complaint.
Jim was always a do-it-yourselfer. The home in Franklin underwent many renovations. He never shied away from a project regardless of size. His engineering mind played a role in woodworking too. Each Christmas or birthday came with a new tool that filled Poppy’s workshop. Benches, cabinets, cedar chests, hall trees, curio cabinets, cutting boards, picnic tables, rolling pins, bowls, potato bins and a grandfather clock were each lovingly built and will be passed down for many generations.
After retirement from Duke Energy in 2010, Dad went to work for the city of Greenwood in the limb yard. He knew no strangers here and developed new friendships with the residents of Greenwood.
Jim’s sense of community extended his entire life. Sleep in Heavenly Peace, making beds for children without beds, became his final project. During his time with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Jim helped to build and deliver over two hundred beds in Johnson County.
Jim will always be remembered as a kind, loving man. He provided for his family the best way he knew how. Friends remember his smile, quick wit, and competitiveness when playing games. In the end, he asked for one thing – to be returned to his maker; which is where he will be found, tinkering and piddling.
Friends and family come visit on Monday, May 6 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin, IN. Funeral will be held at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 7 11:00 am, then Jim will be laid to rest at Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Sleep in Heavenly Peace at https://shpbeds.org/chapter/in-martinsville/
