James O. Olson

James O. Olson, 83, Grand Forks, died Saturday, October 31, 2020 in Valley Senior Living on 42^nd St. – Country Estates surrounded by his loving family. 

James “Jim” Odell Olson, the son of Tollef “Tom” Olson and Ingeborg (Tollefson) Olson, was born on January 3, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND. He attended Bentru Central #2 School and graduated high school from the NW School of Agriculture at Crookston, MN. Jim was confirmed in 1951 at East Walle Lutheran Church. He attended NDSU from 1955-1956 and graduated from Concordia College in 1959 with a BA in history and minors in education and psychology. He served in the US Army from 1961-1963 and taught school for 3 years in Buffalo, MN.  James married Donna Mae Eaton on July 17, 1965.  James farmed from 1966-2001 in Bentru Township, raising wheat, barley, dry beans, potatoes, sugar beets, sunflowers, and soybeans throughout his career. 

James served in many community positions including:  the Bentru Township Board, East Walle Church Council, treasurer of East Walle Cemetery,  a director of the Thompson Rural Fire Department, and director of the Thompson Elevator.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Donna and his four children: Eric (Lisa), Gail Williams, Karen Little (Erik) and Daniel. He will also be fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren: Nicole, Matthew, Allie, Bethany, Robert, Becca, Ryan, Brandon and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gladys Koltveit. 

Private Funeral Services on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.  Visitation open to the public will be from 12:30  to 1:30 p.m.  on Friday November 6, 2020 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks.  Interment will be in East Walle Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Thompson, North Dakota.  Due to Covid 19 restrictions, masks will be required, and social distancing observed.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hospice of The Red River Valley, or East Walle  Cemetery Fund. 

You may view the service by using this link: https://youtu.be/WCw-TH-2Q1s