Dr. James Olson

 Dr. James R " Jim" Olson, 86, died Thursday, June 11, 2020 at a family farm home.    

James Richard Olson, the son of James A and Vida (Johnson) Olson was born in Crookston, Minnesota on December 8, 1933.  He was raised in Crookston and graduated from Crookston Central High School.  He married Elinor Parker on May 29, 1959 at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Jim graduated from the University of North Dakota Medical School ( two year)  and continued his medical education  at Northwestern University at Chicago, Illinois.   After graduation Jim enrolled in an ophthalmology residency.

Jim returned to Grand Forks in 1962 where he affiliated with the Grand Forks Clinic and later at Altru where he was the surgery chair for a period and president of the North Dakota Eye Association.  Jim also served on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Board for several years.   Jim was a compassionate, dedicated physician who often visited patients in their homes if they were unable to come to his office.  Sharing his knowledge to help others was common, whether with a relative, friend or neighbor.  He was a lifetime member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Jim enjoyed his connection with Elinor's family farm.  He purchased old, used farm equipment to mow the ditches, bale hay or blow snow.  His 60+ year- old John Deere was among his favorite pieces which he proudly maneuvered until he no longer could climb into its cab.  

Jim and Elinor enjoyed boxer dogs whether rescue or show quality and always had at least two.  A stray white German shepherd "adopted" Jim and Elinor and became Jim's constant companion.  After Arnie's demise, Andy came to take his place and stayed beside Jim right up to Jim's death.  Jim and Elinor raised and showed appaloosa horses locally and at the National and World shows in the United States and Canada.  Skip's Sugar Time was the most winning mare of Jim and Elinor's horse showing years.   Jim showed Sugar to 7th place in a large amateur-owner class at Fort Worth, Texas.  When Sugar had to be euthanized, Jim said he had lost a kind, loyal and beautiful friend.  Other favorite horses were Nora and Sophia, Norwegian Fjord mares who were to have been Jim's driving team, but his failing health prevented that, so they became his pets. Jim and Elinor were chosen as Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year by the Red River Valley Horse Breeders' Association.

Jim is survived by his wife Elinor, Grand Forks; sisters Claudea Olson, Grand Forks, Judy Moenech, Fargo, North Dakota,  and Jaclyn Olson, Grand Forks; niece Michelle Gierke Ristad; nephews, Todd Gierke, Scott Gierke, Craig Gierke, and Dr. William Fowler;  sister-in-law Sylvia Fowler, Caledonia, Illinois;   and several cousins, great nieces and nephews.   Special out of state friends include Barbara and Charles Carroll; Linda and Bill Ennis; and Rita and Jeff Wernette

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks   with visitation one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.   Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery. 

Memorials are preferred to the Lions Eye Bank of North Dakota or Calvary Lutheran Church.

**You may view the funeral service from this link: https://youtu.be/j-q8w-o81Qc