James Olson

Age 87 Passed away peacefully in his apartment in Anoka, MN on July 5, 2011. Jim was born on May 20, 1924, to Fred and Anna Olson. He grew up in Duluth, MN, where he graduated from Denfeld High School. As a child and teenage, Jim was an avid ice skater and developed a devotion to his family and hard work that would shape his entire life. "Little Jimmy" was a paperboy and a gas station attendant. He later joined the U.S. Post Office as a rural mail carrier, later rising to assistant postal supervisor, regularly working additional part-time jobs to support his family and build a home in St. Paul Park, MN. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Okinawa during World War II. Following his return from the military, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Grace, nee Andersen. In addition to his hometown, Jim's favorite place was Mesa, AZ, where he lived during his retirement years. He was an avid golfer, whose work ethic carried over into building sets of golf clubs for friends and family. A devoted husband, he cared for Grace at home throughout her long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Jim's religious beliefs deepened with the years. He was an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Arizona, assisting in numerous volunteer activities for the church. Preceded in death by his wife, Grace; brother, Willard; sister, Lucille Zelen; fiance, Carol Spilde. Jim is survived by his children, James (Sherry) Olson, Thomas Olson (partner, William Lewis), Barbara Rasmussen; grandchildren, Erin Olson, Kristian (Anne) Olson, Justin (Jami) Rasmussen; great grandchild, Elijah; sister, Beverly (Arthur) Tomes; sister-in-law, Edith Kynell; brother-in-law, Malvin Andersen; also nieces, nephews and many friends in Arizona and Minnesota. Visitation at 10 AM and funeral services at 11 AM on Friday, July 15, 2011, at the SOLID ROCK FREE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 737 Bob Ehlen Dr., Anoka, MN, 55303. Lunch to follow at the church. Interment at Bethany Cemetery, 5021 Hermantown Rd., Hermantown, MN 55811; 11 AM July 16, 2011. Arrangements are under the direction of Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 763-767-1000. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Tributes

James Olson

July 10, 2011

Tributes

James Olson

July 10, 2011

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