George James "Jim" Oliver

1958 - 2017

"Fists in the wind, sun at your back, a tank that never runs dry and a smooth, curvy road that never ends!" - Wendell
George James "Jim" Oliver passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home in Anchorage, Alaska, due to heart failure during the morning of Sept. 15, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion, located on the New Seward frontage road between 68th and 72nd Avenues, on Sept. 29, 2017, at 3 p.m. Interment will be held at a future date at the Greenwood Memorial Terrace in Spokane, Wash.
Jim was born in Vicenza, Italy, where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army. His family moved extensively during his early years, but his roots were firmly established in Anchorage, where his father's final assignment ended here in the summer of 1971. Jim graduated from Bartlett High School in 1976. His first high school job turned into a 10-year career at the 9th and Gambell Pay and Save department store as the electronics department manager. Several sales jobs then led him to Tenneco Automotive, as a manufacturer's representative for NAPA Auto Parts. In 2002, he began as a representative at Napa Auto Parts. His job of outside sales required traveling throughout the state and frequently outside the state, and he was very proud of it. In 2017, he became the sales representative for the 5th Avenue store. He was always willing to help anyone in need and blessed people with his knowledge.
Jim began dating Rita Leann Johnson, a transplanted Texan and friend of his extended family, and the two were married here in 1990. Rita Leann is a long-time employee of the USPS. Jim and Rita Leann enjoyed traveling, particularly throughout Italy, fishing, camping and enjoyed friends and family. Jim took every opportunity to ride his Harley-Davidson. He was always the life of the party, never knew a stranger and was loved everywhere he went. His witty sense of humor and penchant to playfully engage with wait staff kept everyone in stitches. He had the biggest heart and was larger than life, and once you met him, you were family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rita Leann; they were married 27 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel George S. Oliver and his wife Velma Joyce; cousin, Mike Irwin. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Lawanda Bliss; his siblings, Carolyn and Mike Uecker, Marilyn and Wendell Smith and Donald "Skip," Lori and Abby Oliver; his cousins, Bud Irwin, and Rick and Debbie Irwin and Lisa and family, Tina and family, Misty, Richard, Ryan Irwin, Mindy and Mike Mellor, William 'Bill' Oliver and his children and Kathy Powell; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Susie Johnson, Sam and Michelle Johnson and sons Wyatt and Dane, Scott Johnson and son Camden, Kim Johnson and Brian Fencl and daughters Jaylyn and Rigley, Gary and Ruthie Johnson and children; and numerous cousins in Spokane. He is also survived by Alaska family: Steve and Marti Delimont and their children; niece, Madison; niece, Stephanie and Shawn, Shawnie, Trenton, Aubrey and nephew Tyler; Mike and Barb Wagner Daughter Jessica, Virgil and Mary Davis, Derrick Anderson, Eddie Athey and many others.
Braaaaaaaaap!! In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the American Heart Association in Jim's name.