James E. “Jim” Olson

James Eldon Olson was born on August 17, 1948 to Lyle E. and Marjorie C. (Bloom) Olson at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. He passed away Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 at the age of 73 of a heart attack.

Jimbo had an interest in horses at a very young age and he learned from some of the best in the business: C.C. Coltes, Don Hart, Kenny Trauger.  Early on, he started by showing horses and then a little later in life, he became very active in Team Penning, earning points for his horse and winning many trophies, buckles and a saddle at the Denver Stock show. He has forgotten more about horses than most people will ever know.

Buying and selling horses led him into other areas of sales and trade. Over the years, Jimbo worked for Steiger Tractor, Ziegler Cat, and more recently, Mahnomen Implement Dealership where he retired from.

After retiring, he moved to Lake Maud, MN and had recently purchased the pontoon of his dreams. You could always talk him into a ride around the lake. He had also purchased a camper that he could take to Nevada to stay over the winter to be an “official snowbird”. Jim and his friends would trail ride the beautiful country out there. They had recently discovered the joy of electric bikes and had gone through Maplewood State Park a week before his passing.

Jim had two children: Joshua James, who shares Jim’s love of cattle and farming, and Lindsay Anne, who shares Jim’s love for horses.  His traits will be carried on with pride.

“If that isn’t somethin”.

Jim is survived by his children, Joshua J. Olson and Lindsay (Jay) Grantier; grandchildren, Bradley Olson, Rylie Olson, Murphy Grantier and Kolt Grantier; brother, Bob (Alicia) Olson; sisters, Cathy Olson and Carol Olson Linstad; nieces and nephews, Ducine McLaughlin, Krista Olsen, Carey Hahne, Tyler Deutsch, Katie Linstad, Sarah Linstad and Alex Linstad Kowitz. ; and his horse, Fancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Marge.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2o21 at 2:00 P.M., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, at a later date.