James "Jim" Charles Olson

James (Jim) Charles Olson passed away unexpectedly at his home near Thompson, ND on Sunday, May 19, 2024. 

Jim entered this world on June 4, 1955, a firstborn, curious, and inquisitive child born to Jim and Jeanette (Janke) Olson, in Detroit Lakes, MN. While Jim was young, the family also lived in Yankton, SD, East Grand Forks, MN, and eventually settled in Grand Forks, ND where he attended school, graduating from Red River High School in 1973. 

Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1978. He then attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Statistics. 

On March 31,1979 (“As close to April Fool’s Day as possible.”), Jim and Shelley (Brey) were united in marriage and recently celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary. On October 13, 1980, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Jaime.

From the time he was very young, Jim was an adventurous and avid outdoorsman. He especially loved fishing and hunting. His interests in the outdoors were passed on to him from his father. Jim nurtured the same love for nature in his daughter, Jaime. Together they created many lifelong memories including early morning fishing trips and a few near-disastrous hunting trips. 

Jim was very proud of Jaime and enjoyed sharing stories of her many accomplishments. Jim’s pride and joy expanded further when he became a grandpa to granddaughter Olivia. They had a special relationship that generated an abundance of smiles and chuckles, especially when she addressed him as, “Chiefy Chiefy.”

Jim was astute, intelligent, innovative, and loved a good challenge. His unique skills were implemented throughout a career in computer defense, where he designed many network infrastructures for the military. 

Twenty-five years ago, while most of the world was not yet online, Jim created and launched Sun Dot Communications, an internet service provider. Sun Dot was Jim’s greatest achievement, and he took great pride in offering quality commercial internet services to the Grand Forks region. 

Jim’s family and friends will deeply miss his subtle sense of humor, intelligent dialogue, political banter, refined debate skills, innovative thinking, and his ability to mysteriously disappear every time a camera was nearby. 

Left to mourn his sudden passing are his mother, Jeanette Olson; his wife Shelley; beloved daughter Jaime (Brad) Rutherford and granddaughter Olivia; brother Michael (Donna) Olson; sisters Sally (Jeff) Stoa, Maribeth McGoven, and Lorree (Mike) Fleming; several nieces and nephews; and his pampered office cats.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James (Jim) Olson; mother and father in-law, Cathy and Vincent Brey; and brother-in-law, Kelly Brey. 

Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A private family graveside service, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 3:45 pm.

A celebration gathering with family and friends will be held on June 4 at Eagle’s Crest Grill in Grand Forks from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. 

Jim was most comfortable in a Carhartt shirt and jeans. 

Friends and family are invited to honor him by dressing comfortably and wearing your favorite Carhartt gear.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests designating memorials in Jim’s name to the Grand Forks Circle of Friends Humane Society or the Grand Forks Mission.