James Olson

Jun 7, 1947 -

Feb 7, 2024

James Otto Olson, also known to some as Ole, passed away in his home on Feb. 7, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born June 7, 1947, in St. Paul, Minn., to Otto and Jeanette Olson. He was the youngest child of a traveling iron worker and had one older sister. His mother always said he was such an affectionate and loving boy in his youth. He graduated from Chicago Vocational High School, where he participated and excelled at ROTC.

In 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on the front lines in Vietnam. Following his time there, he was stationed in South Korea where he met the mother of his children. They were married and returned to America in 1970 and continued to serve our country state-side until 1980, when he was honorably discharged and planted roots in Anchorage. Alaska. He was a jack-of-all-trades. In the '80s, he repaired cars and resold them, had a mobile plumbing business and then later went to trade school in Boston to train as a HVAC mechanic where he excelled and later retired as. At some points in between or thereafter, he was also a heavy equipment operator, worked in the oil field, owned and operated a Chinese herbal medicine store and worked at the Alaska Regional Hospital as the onsite maintenance mechanic.

He was a practical man, making do with what he had and taking joy in finding quirky ways to enjoy life, giving us all something to laugh or tell stories about. He was also a dreamer and, though he didn't have much, would give someone in need the shirt off his back. He enjoyed fishing, antique furniture and tools, billiards, Chinese medicine and doing things the old school way. He was a member for many years of the Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church, including his wife and children.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otto Olson; and sister, Enola J. Harguess. He is survived by his mother, Jeanette M. (Martin) Olson of Gilmer, Texas; three sons: James O. Jr. and wife Maria "Ivi" Bernardo of Louisville, Ky., Otto II and Jeremiah B. of Anchorage; one daughter, Sa "Sasha" (Olson) and husband Keith Ross of Houston, Texas; mother of his children, Park Sa of Anchorage; and four grandchildren, Riley, Quinten, Xavier Otto and Maximus Xander.

He died as he wished, in his home in independence and peace. May God grant him wings to heaven and watch over him.

Graveside service will be held on May 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery with a military funeral honor ceremony to honor his sacrifice for our country.