James "Tadpole" Donald Holt

James “Tadpole” Donald Holt, 62, of Pineville, Arkansas, passed away on August 11, 2025, in Pineville. He was born on February 22, 1963, in Trumann, Arkansas, to James Elmer Holt and Julia Ann (Judy Foshee) Holt.

Tadpole married the love of his life, Deborah Ann Burgess, on September 8, 2007, in Izard County, Arkansas. A hardworking man, he spent eight years as a boilermaker with JVIC and more than two decades building boats for Cobra/Viper and Ranger Boats. He was known for being a good old man—tough, loyal, and kind. He had a big heart for dogs, motorcycles, and most of all, his family. He was a proud grandfather, lovingly known as “Pip,” and a true friend to many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Holt of Pineville; children, Erica Michelle Holt-Brandon (Chris) of Calico Rock, Aaron James Thomas Holt (Ashley) of Dolph, Sunshine Vickery of Pineville, Cortland Neal of Mountain Home, Ethan Shattuck (Ashley) of Old Joe, Heaven Willhite (Shane) of Mountain Home, Adrienne Sherwood of Dover, and Johnna Thresher (Lyle) of Evening Shade.

He is also survived by his parents, James Holt and Anita of Jonesboro, and stepfather, Jimmy Dale Stapleton of Calico Rock; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robby Holt of Calico Rock, Wayne Beard of Calico Rock, Jim Wayne Stapleton (Challene) of Wideman, Jim Jr. Stapleton (Jandel) of Wideman, Jamie Stapleton (Renee) of Salesville, Andy Deason (Dawn) of Jonesboro, Robby Deason (Shannon) of Trumann, Gary Beard of Trumann and Mark Beard of Trumann; sisters, Diane Holt of Elkhart, Indiana, Kaye Burns of Mountain Home, Angel Duncan (Ricky) of Cabot, Mindy Holt-Hudson of Pocahontas, Anita Marie Stapleton of Calico Rock, Dea Holt of Jonesboro, and Heather Knight (Gary) of Jonesboro and a whole lot of family and friends who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Ann (Judy) Stapleton, brother, Ronnie Roland, sister, Sandra Beard, and a few great friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas, with Dub Holt officiating.

Memorials may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice, in honor of Tadpole’s love for animals.

Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.