RAPID CITY - James "Jim" Wells Olson passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at home. His beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Karen (Gundersen) Olson, was holding his hand as he passed.

Born in 1943 in Volga, SD, to John E. Olson and Helen (Wood) Olson, Jim grew up in Brookings and Sioux Falls, SD. Jim graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High School in 1961 and attended the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, earning his Bachelor's degree and then J.D. in 1967.

He met the love of his life, Karen Gundersen, ice skating at USD. Their love blossomed in the freezing Vermillion winter and they married on September 4, 1965 in Rapid City.

After graduating from USD Law School, Jim and Karen moved to Rapid City, where Jim Clerked for Federal District Judge Andrew Bogue. Jim then worked as Assistant City Attorney before joining his father-in-law, Ernest Gundersen's law firm. Eventually, Jim became partners with Ernest Gundersen, Robert Frankenfeld, James Wilson and Robert Nash. Their law practice, which would eventually be known as Wilson, Olson & Nash, served clients in western South Dakota for over 50 years. Jim retired from the practice of law in 2017.

Known for his character, kindness, and wise counsel as well as his extensive collection of bow ties, Jim developed a reputation as an excellent attorney and a devoted family man. He and Karen raised three daughters: Erika , Marta and Kirsten.

He spent many Saturday mornings making his trademark pancakes and downhill skiing with Karen and the girls. Later, he enjoyed spending time with his grandsons: Evan Geiger, Noah W. Geiger, and Fritz Rangitsch - skiing, building pinewood derby cars and swimming in the family pool.

Always a servant leader, Jim served on many non-profit boards and was elected and served on the Rapid City Board of Education for two terms. Jim was also an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Rapid City, serving as a Reader, Sunday school teacher, and Board member. He sang joyfully in the Shrine of Democracy Chorus, performing in Barbershop quartets and concerts, delivering many "Singing Valentines" to sweethearts all over the Black Hills, and serving as the Board President.

An avid hunter, Jim grew up bird hunting with his dad, uncles, sister, brother, and cousins. Later, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and grandsons joined the hunting expeditions, and Jim welcomed them all with humor, warmth, and care, instilling in younger family members a healthy respect for firearms, wildlife and the land.

Jim became a passionate bicyclist in later life. He regularly commuted to work by bicycle and enjoyed cycling vacations with Karen and other biking enthusiasts.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters: Kirsten Hollenbeck, Marta Olson-Rangitsch and Erika Olson; sons-in-law: Kevin Hollenbeck, Tim Rangitsch and Patrick Fleming; and grandsons: Evan and Noah Geiger and Fritz Rangitsch. He is also survived by his two sisters: Mary Boyer and Dr. Susan Jones; and his brother, Dr. Thomas Olson; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the Dahl Arts Center at 10:30 AM, with a light luncheon to follow.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers you make gifts in Jim's name to the following: The Shrine of Democracy Chorus; Rapid City Area School Foundation; or the Rapid City Public Library Foundation.

Please visit the online memorial for Jim at: www.OsheimSchmidt.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rapid City Journal from Jan. 20 to Jan. 27, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Olson

Sponsored by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

6 Entries

Alan L. Smoot

February 2, 2024

I am very sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. As a young partner in his law firm back in the early 90´s, I was pleased to have the privilege to work with him and Bob Nash, and to have the benefit of their advice and wise counsel. Jim was well respected by his peers, partners, staff and clients. Condolences and blessings to Karen and family.

Ken Howell

January 29, 2024

Sorry to learn of Jim´s passing. I had the privilege of knowing him when I worked as a Court Reporter for many years in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, and always enjoyed the times he would appear in our court - a very competent and well prepared attorney, always acted and spoke with respect towards the Court and opposing counsel, and was very kind to the court staff. I also loved to hear him sing with the Shrine of Democracy Chorus! He was a good man, and it was a blessing to have known him.
My sincere condolences to his family.

Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home

January 27, 2024

Ozzie & Bev Osheim and staff offer our sincere
sympathy in the loss of your loved one.

Teresa Stonum

January 23, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss, and the loss to all who knew him. Jim was a wonderful man and a great boss. I was very sad when his partner Bob Nash retired and I had to move on. They were considerate and treated their people well. God Bless Jim. I offer my condolences to the family.

Douglas Koppmann

January 22, 2024

Very sorry to learn about Jim passing he will be missed.

Dr. Rich Meyer

January 20, 2024

We´ve known Jim and Karen since our days at USD and then as a friend and partner at the Creekside Professional Plaza. He was a smart fun loving guy and a very professional attorney. We are saddened by his passing and offer our condolences to his family. Rich & Gayla Meyer

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