James (Jim) Raymond Olsen was born June 27, 1958 in Petersburg, Alaska, the fourth child of Alice and Raymond Olsen. He was known as a “Statehood Baby” and received a special certificate for being born the year that Alaska became the 49^th state. Jim bravely and briefly, fought Paraneoplastic Syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition secondary to underlying cancer, passing away on July 22, 2021, surrounded by family and friends. 

His early years were packed with countless family adventures with his siblings, led by his mother Alice.  He loved to reminisce and share the stories of his wonderful childhood. Jim attended Ballard High School (class of ‘76) where he played basketball and baseball. He was known as a Frisbee master and qualifier for a 4 state regional competition as a teenager. His passion for golf was a constant in his life, and he just recently purchased his ultimate retirement home in Indio, CA, on a golf course. He enthusiastically cheered on all Seattle sports teams, which he enjoyed watching with his kids and their numerous friends. Football watch parties at his home brought him great joy. 

Jim had a love of the sea and enjoyed a career as a third generation commercial fisherman, starting at the age of sixteen, fishing with his father and 3 of his siblings. He made countless friends during his time as a deckhand, and later, a skipper and owner, fishing mostly in the Gulf of Alaska. His crew loved fishing with him and he was highly regarded in the halibut and black cod industry, first and foremost for his solid work ethic and camaraderie, and also for his uncanny ability to always locate the next “big catch” and bring in a big haul. 

In the off-season, Jim found a passion for the Hawaiian Islands and later shared that Aloha spirit with his family, making treasured memories which included holidays with his parents.

Jim’s greatest joy in life was his four children and his grandchildren. For 25 years, they tremendously enjoyed their Mill Creek home and community, with many team sports, school events, beloved neighbors and friends. They spent summers together at their Crescent Bar getaway on the Columbia River, swimming, boating, golfing, and sharing sunny days with lifelong neighbors, friends and family. Jim especially enjoyed taking the kids on day trips to the Olsen family cabin at Lake Roesiger, to share quality, good ol’ fashioned fun with Grandma, Grandpa and lots of aunts, uncles & cousins. He loved jumping in the lake on a hot summer day, taking the speed boat out for the tubers and skiers, capping off the day with a barbecue feast and sit around the campfire.

He cherished his 14 year old granddaughter, AnaLu and his 6 year old grandson, Hudson and they adored the happy times, swimming, skiing and playing with Grandpa.

Jim is survived by his father Ray; his five siblings Christine Olsen Reis (Mark), Eric (Karen), David (Margaret), Gary (Laurie), and Kathryn (Ray); his four children, Noelle Olsen Packer (Charles), Olivia Olsen, Jameson Olsen, Ryan Olsen; former wife Susie Gill-Olsen; his grandson Hudson, granddaughter AnaLu, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Alice.

His loving and generous spirit and beautiful smile, will remain with all of us.