James Olson

James Edward ?Jim? Olson was born February 4, 1954 in Glenwood, MN, the son of Raymond and Lorraine (Krook) Olson. Jim was raised in Glenwood and later moved to Alexandria, MN where he graduated from Jefferson High School. Jim began a career as a truck driver. His work was his favorite hobby. Jim drove a truck for his father?s produce company, Olson?s Produce. He especially enjoyed over-the-road trucking to California, his favorite destination state. On April 11, 1981 Jim was united in marriage to LuWanna Muzik at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The couple made their home in Alexandria where they established the Jim Olson Trucking Co. From the age of twelve years Jim battled with Crohn?s Disease. For three years during his career the disease disabled him. He continued to suffer complications from the disease for the rest of his life. In February 2008 Jim was permanently disabled from complications due to an infection from a broken arm. He spent two months in Innovis Hospital and several more in a nursing home trying to recover from the damage done by the infection. After returning home his daughter Shannon Olson, his son Shawn Olson and Kori Walker became Jim?s fulltime caregivers. Jim enjoyed ice fishing, creating latch hook rugs and building model airplanes. He spent many years working at Viking Speedways where he maintained the condition of the track. He sponsored several racecars over the years including his son Shawn?s #32, brother-in-law Ryan?s #23, and nephews, Dallas? #1G and Brock?s #2G. He also sponsored his son Jamie?s snowmobile #223. On Friday, October 30, 2009 Jim died at the age of fifty-five years. His father, Raymond Olson, a brother-in-law, Tommy Muzik and a nephew, Mark McDonald, preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife, LuWanna Olson of Alexandria; his mother, Lorraine Olson of Alexandria; three sons, Bobby Olson and wife, Shawn, of Brandon, MN, Jamie Olson of Alexandria and Shawn Olson of Bloomington; one daughter, Shannon Olson of Alexandria; four grandchildren, Casey Deleski, Gavin Olson, Corbin Olson and Luca Olson; two brothers, Charles Olson and wife, Mary, of Alexandria and David Olson of Alexandria; two sisters, Sandra Erickson and husband, Dennis, of Baxter, MN and Glenice Vipond and husband, Robert, of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Leah Gulbrandson and Janice Doebber provided music. Jim?s nephew, Cory Olson, did special readings. Interment followed in the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Rony Muzik, Mike Muzik, Dillon Gulbrandson, Jeff Ekdahl, Travis Vanderby, Cory Olson, Randy McDonald and Bruce Smith. Honorary Casket bearers included all of Jim?s nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.