James Callahan Olson, beloved husband, was called to his eternal resting place on July 2, 2017. He entered into this world on Dec. 11, 1932 in Chanute, born to David and Lenora Olson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, David, Earl, Charles, and Alfred. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; daughter, Alisa Grass and husband Eric, Southlake, Texas; and sons, Eric and wife Renee, Albuquerque, Jeff and wife Jaana, Oceanside, Calif. He is survived by nine grandchildren, Lauren Colby and husband Matt, Katelyn Grass, Elliott Grass, Kimberly Olson, Shelby Olson, Lindsey Olson, Katrina Olson, Jacqueline Olson and Ella Olson. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Peter Colby.
James graduated from Stark High School in 1950, after which he attended Chanute Junior College where he played basketball. He went on to attend the University of Kansas before being called into the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean War. After the war, he worked for Boeing in Wichita and finished his college education at Wichita State University in 1960.
James joined Phillips Petroleum after graduation from college and continued working for them until his retirement on April 1, 1992. He worked as a District Marketing Representative first in Clovis, N.M., before being transferred to Albuquerque in 1968. He enjoyed golf as a member of Tanoan Country Club for 20-plus years. He also had a passion for business and enjoyed watching and trading in the stock market. He loved traveling, gardening and being surrounded by family and friends.
A visitation will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at FRENCH Funerals in Albuquerque, followed by a funeral service at 10. Cremation will take place at a later date.
A celebration of life will be held later this year near his final resting place in LaHarpe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Quilts of Valor www.qovf.org (who cover service members and Veterans touched by war) or a charity of your choice. Please visit the online guestbook for James at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
James Olson
