Dr. James Leonard Holzhauer

Dr. James Leonard Holzhauer, 74, joined his glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 26, 2024, at 8:45 a.m.  at his home in Columbus, MS with his wife, Celeta and his beloved great dane, Morpheus by his side.  Dr. Holzhauer passed away from a heart attack.

He was born on October 27, 1949, into a loving German, Lutheran Community in Gillett, Arkansas to his wonderful parents, Ester Froman and Herbert Alvin Leonard Holzhauer. Dr. Holzhauer graduated from Gillett High School with honors.  Going on to attend Mississippi State University, earning a master’s degree in business.  Continuing at MSU to earn a BSE in Aerospace Engineering degree. Graduating with honors, he went on to join the AirForce, rose to Captain, analyzing Russian satellites with a top-secret clearance to brief the secretary of state at the White House.  Dr. Holzhauer attended the University of Arkansas Medical School specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, graduating at the top of his class.

He opened his first clinic in West Point, MS, moving to Columbus, MS, practicing in his solo clinic for over 25 years. He delivered over 13,000 precious babies. Bringing new life into this world was his passion and one of his greatest joys in life. He and his wife, Celeta, moved their practice to Macon, MS and have been there for the past 2 years.

Dr. Holzhauer was an avid hunter and enjoyed many Africa trips including his two sons, Hunter and Harrison. He was also an excellent artist, played his guitar, and had a beautiful voice.  He sang Happy Birthday to each baby he delivered.

Dr. Holzhauer is survived by his wife of 30 years, Celeta Wesley Holzhauer; daughter, Sandra Nicole Holzhauer, MD (Ryan Feeny) of Rifle, Colorado and grandchildren, Hanna Feeny, Clara Feeny, William Feeny, and August Feeny; son, Dr. Hunter Holzhauer (Mikael) and grandchildren, Carr, Nora Kate, Rhine, and Bo Holzhauer of Sale Creek, TN; daughter, Ashley Holzhauer Beck (Brian) and grandchild, Adeline Beck of San Diego, CA; and son, Harrison Holzhauer (Kat) and grandchildren River and Noah Holzhauer of Hermitage, TN.

Dr. Holzhauer is also survived by one brother, Alvin Holzhauer (Norma) and one sister, Sandra Holzhauer of Gillett, AR; nephews, Jared, Grant and Brady; Brother-in-law, Michael Wesley (Laura); niece, Kensley Wesley; and a special aunt, Jilda Hulsey.

Dr. Holzhauer devoted his life to caring for his patients and serving his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was a loving father and a devoted and amazing husband.  Everyone dies, but not everyone lives. Dr. Holzhauer lived his life to the fullest with no regrets.  He has left his mark on this world, unparallelled to no other.  He will be greatly missed and loved.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Gunter Peel.  Visitation will be from 2:00 until service time. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family requests no flowers, rather donations be made in his honor to the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society: 50 Airline Rd. Columbus, MS 39702.