James "Jim" O. Olsen's Obituary
James “Jim” Oscar Olsen, 60, passed away quietly at home in Norton Shores on Saturday, July 20, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with narcolepsy/cataplexy and COPD. He was born to Dolores “Kappy” (Hosmer) and Oscar “Ole” Olsen in Muskegon on August 13, 1958. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1976 and attended Ferris State College and Muskegon CC. Jim was a member of the Vikings Linne Lodge No. 57. He worked in several industrial fabricating shops in Muskegon and worked briefly in Texas. In his younger days he enjoyed playing hockey, catching West Michigan’s fresh breezes from the driver’s seat of a Jeep, listening to rock and roll music and sharing intricate details of its history, caring for and training his canine companions, and especially spending time with family and friends. Jim was gifted with a powerful memory and a unique humor and wit -- whether in the form of one-liners, hilarious stories punctuated with historical trivia, wry observations on the world, or just a look, and these qualities made for many good times with friends. When illness altered and restricted his lifestyle, he immersed himself in writing and research projects, in carefully detailing automobiles, teaching himself to play new musical instruments, entertaining friends and family with his enduring humor and insights, and providing an incomparable life for his beloved dogs. Left to cherish his memory are his parents Ole and Dolores Olsen, sisters Janet Olsen (Coh Rohen) of Bath, MI and Judi Olsen (Tony) Teston of St. Simons Island, GA; special cousins Jean Crawford and Carolyn Reinertson; several aunts and uncles, a host of cousins, five nieces and nephews and their families, and beloved companion Nikki. He is predeceased by beloved grandparents and aunts and uncles and treasured canine friends Jody, Dude, Aja, and Bubba, and favorite felines. A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444, 231-798-1100 with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Jim’s memory may be directed to Pound Buddies Animal Shelter and Adoption Center or Viking Lodge #57 Burn Camp.
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