James Olson's Obituary
James (Jim) Michael Olson passed away after a long illness in Las Vegas, Nevada with his family at his side. Jim was born in Tacoma, Washington at Tacoma General Hospital and was the oldest son of Betty and Floyd Olson. Jim grew up in Tacoma attending Baker Jr High School and graduating from Mt Tahoma High School [Class of ‘64]. Jim was a very accomplished accordionist. During High school Jim started work in the B&I Circus selling shoes moving on to JC Penny’s and the Bon Marche.
In 1974 Jim started his lifelong career with the Washington State Ferry System. Jim worked at several terminals in the Seattle area. Jim was hard working and ambitious and with his great personality he worked up to supervisory positions. Jim loved his work, his co-workers and the always wonderful scenery around Puget Sound. Jim retired in 2008 after 34 wonderful years working with all his friends and co-workers.
Jim had a long history of health issues. Jim began spending summers living with his brother Edward Olson and wife, Teresa Olson in Washington. The winters he would live in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with his sister Kathleen Gibson and her husband Larry Gibson. Jim fell in love with Lake Havasu City, the sunshine and dry weather which were much better for his health. In Arizona full time with the advent of the pandemic Jim loved walking around the pool and back yard for exercise in the cooler mornings or evenings and daytime would find him on a floatie in the pool “working on his tan”. Jim enjoyed the many visits by family and friends and always kept in touch by texts or phone calls. Jim also kept busy reading books, playing games on his phone and searching for new recipes to assist his sister Kathleen to cook. Jim did love to eat. Ever the conversationalist, Jim was always the center of attention at gatherings, parties or social affairs. He was loved by all.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Betty Olson, sister Beth Schilling and brother Floyd E Olson, Jr. Jim is survived by his sister Kathleen and brother in law Larry Gibson, his brother Edward and sister in law Teresa Olson, nephews and nieces Josh and Anela Olson, Aaron Olson, David Schwank, Christine and Eric Johnson, Kimberly Zenker, Jodie Olson, Julie Olson and Jamie Olson, Sarah Olson, Robert Garcia, Tami Driscol, Kristi Aravena and Shellie Newman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mountain View Cemetery’s Garden Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 on June 24th, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a graveside service to follow. A reception will be held after the services.
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