James O. Olfson

1927 - 2022

James Oliver Olfson or "Swede", of Harwood, passed away peacefully on March 21st following a brief illness. Born April 5th, 1927 and growing up in Appleton Wisconsin, Swede learned the value of hard work and importance of family. At 17 Swede followed his older brother, J.R., into WW2, serving in Germany with the 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th armored division as a Platoon Sergeant from 1945-1946. Staff Sergeant Olfson rarely spoke of what he witnessed but recalled trading cigarette rations for Hershey's chocolate which he gave to German children. This typified Swede, strong and steady, taking action to give comfort and support to others in difficult times. After the service, Swede attended University of Wisconsin, and joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity whose values and principles he resonated with his entire life. He earned a B.S in Mechanical Engineering and subsequently his J.D. In 1953 Swede married his college sweetheart Donna Murphy. In 1959, Swede and Donna left Wisconsin, relocating their growing family to Annapolis, Swede accepting the role of Vice President and Patent Counsel at Chesapeake Instrument Corporation, a company fundamental in developing the sonar and anti-submarine warfare technology still applicable today. Ultimately, Swede became President and CEO at Chesapeake, where he remained until 1975. Swede accepted the role of President and CEO at General Elevator in 1975 and remained in the elevator business until his retirement in 1992. On top of his distinguished professional career, Swede was a community leader and board member in banking, the arts, higher education, and local business. He was a lifelong member of the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake, the Marlborough Hunt and many other professional, fraternal and charitable organizations. Swede was an accomplished sailor and avid skier. Upon retirement Donna and Swede spent many years traveling the world, with most winters sailing up and down the Atlantic coast and living in Hope Town, Bahamas. The adventures and friendships that grew from these activities are among those Swede recalled most fondly. Swede also cherished his Cumberstone community, the wildlife on the waterways and shores, and especially "his" Bantham Bay swans. Swede was preceded in death by his son Erik and brothers John and J.R. He is survived by his sweetheart of 68 years, Donna, his twin sister Mary Fitzgerald and sisters-in-law Mary Olfson and Beverly Murphy. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Kristina Olfson and son-in-law Dr. James Wayman of Pebble Beach, CA, his daughter Karin Mewbourne and son-in-law Vice Admiral Dee Mewbourne of Scott Air Force Base, IL, and his daughter-in-law Susie Olfson of Galesville, MD. His memory is honored in death by his grandchildren Kirsten Bauer, Hunter and Brie Mewbourne, Meredith and Lt. Cdr. R.J. DaPrato, Connor Mewbourne, Haleigh Wayman and Erik Fleming, Maddie Olfson, Olivia Wayman and his great grandchildren Gigi, Everly, Freja, Jojo and Ella. Swede is beloved by many nephews and nieces and his extended family from Florida to Baltimore, Germany to Green Bay, Hope Town and Telluride and by many dear friends. In homage to a maritime tradition, when the ship's captain or other important person departs, watch standers ring a bell; on Swede's front porch is a ship's bell that he would ring upon the departure of family and friends. As we ring this bell a final three times for our Swede, we reflect that it is impossible to fully define the life of a giant in a few words on a page. While our hearts are heavy with this loss, we will "Press On!" - our sails are full and our course is forever guided by the life and love he gave us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of James O. Olfson to either the Arundel Rivers Federation, PO Box 760, Edgewater, MD 21037 (arundelrivers.org) or the Neurology Department at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, payable to LH AAMC Foundation (AAMC Foundation, 2000 Medical Parkway, Belcher Pavilion Suite 604, Annapolis, Maryland 21401).