James Olson

James Russell Olson, 83, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2014 in the loving arms of his family in Anthem, Arizona, where he resided with the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Marilyn Trotter Olson.

A memorial service was held at the Anthem Veterans Memorial with a Patriot Honor Guard motorcade of Vietnam Veteran Motorcyclists, a VFW Honor Ceremony, twenty-one gun salute and aircraft flyover in the missing man formation by the Warbird Squadron Twenty. Interment of his cremated remains will be held May 3, 2014 at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa with arrangements by Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway. A military honor guard with twenty-one gun salute will accompany his burial. The gravesite is located near the western-most North/South road in the cemetery.

Jim was born May 7, 1930 in Moorhead, Iowa to Florence Olander Olson and Mark Douglas Olson, moving to Des Moines at an early age. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948, served as a page in the Iowa Senate and attended Iowa State University with graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD in 1953, followed by marriage to Marilyn, his sweetheart for four years. He served a highly decorated career in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Colonel.

Jim and Marilyn traveled the entire United States and many foreign countries in a series of both staff and command positions. Jim was an instructor pilot at the U.S. Air Force Academy and a pilot with nearly 10,000 flying hours in a multitude of aircraft; flying 179 F-100 missions in Vietnam. He was a graduate of the George Washington University, with a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Jim was deeply moved by those who served under him upon being made an Honorary Chief Master Sergeant at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Anecdotal stories are remembered of Jim crossing paths with President Eisenhower and Kennedy along with many other historical figures.

Jim and Marilyn moved to Arizona in 2000, where they were active in the Anthem Golden Go-Getters, enjoying a good hand of bridge, and their grandchildren’s lives. Jim put his computer skills to use, and after many years of Marilyn serving faithfully as an Air Force wife, Jim supported her as Queen Mother of the Red Hat Ladies group she and Elaine Crum Runner formed. After being long time members of the United Methodist Church, they attended Arizona Hills Church in Anthem. Jim was a solid rock for his family and friends; beloved and treasured by all.

His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Mayo Clinic staff, in particular, Dr. Gary Debrino and Dr. Lewis Wesselius, along with Hospice of the Valley.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three daughters, Vicki Salmon (Will) of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Denise Staten and Michelle Colaiacovo (John), both of Anthem, Arizona. Additionally eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews survive. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Olander Olson; brother, Richard Lyle Olson; sisters, Janice Colacino and Eunice Mills Walker; along with father- and mother-in-law, Pete and Lois Trotter (Noel).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to:
Daisy Mountain Veterans, c/o Dennis Hider, 2723 W. Plum Hollow Dr., Anthem, AZ, 85086, decmh@cox.net or
Lincoln High School ALHS Alumni Foundation, Dollars for Scholars, 2600 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50315.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print