James Olson

1939 - 2016

James Patrick Olson

October 17, 1939 - August 4, 2016

Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Sonoma, CA after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. The eldest of 4 children, Jim was born to Knute "Robert" and Nora Olson in San Francisco.
Jim grew up in San Francisco's Mission District, where he attended San Miguel Grammar School, St. James Boys School and Archbishop Riordin High School, where he excelled in both Baseball and Football.
Upon graduating from Riordin High School in 1956, Jim served two years in the United States Coast Guard as a seaman, first class in Juneau, Alaska. After completing his service with the Coast Guard, Jim began studying for the entrance exam for the San Francisco Fire Department in early 1963 and was accepted as a cadet in July of 1963.
Jim loved his career as a firefighter, serving 33 years in the SFFD. First appointed in 1964, Jim was promoted to Lieutenant (1967, E 17), Captain(1971, 1 Truck), Battalion Chief (1977, Station 5), Assistant Chief (1982, Station 21), Chief of SFO Airport (1992) and Deputy Chief of Department (1992). Jim's peers were in all ranks and he is remembered for his frequent advice to young firefighters: "Never forget you started on the back step of the truck."
Jim's interest in finances as a young firefighter at 17 Enginer led him to become an early member of the SF Fire Credit Union, where he would go on to serve on the board of directors for over 20 years.
After retirement, Jim and Maureen moved to Sonoma, CA where they enjoyed 17 fun years with old and new friends alike. A member of Moose Lodge 2048, Jim was a regular for Monday Night Football, dinners and events. On Thursday mornings, Jim could be found enjoying coffee with friends in Sonoma Square next to the Sonoma Cheese Factory. Jim was involved in the community as a member of the Sonoma chapter of Sons in Retirement (SIR), St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, the ICF and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society where he helped to distribute food to needy families.
Jim is survived by his adoring wife of 54 years, Maureen, his 6 adored children - Katie (Ron), Colleen (Robert), Bob (Ann), Jim (Christa), Amy (Pat) & Michael (Jennie) and his 13 loved grandchildren who knew him as Gramps.
Predeceased by his sister, Maureen Hagberg, Jim is survived by his brother, Leo Olson, and his sister, Jean Neville, as well as numerous cousins, friends and colleagues.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11am on August 24th at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church - 469 3rd Street W, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice by the Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939 or your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.