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James A. Olszewski

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Saint John School

James Olszewski Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 22, 2015.

James A. Olszewski, 69, of Dexter, N.Y., passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his family, and under the care of hospice.

He was born in Erie on April 16, 1946, the son of Edmund and Helen Kalista Olszewski.

He went to Saint John School, where he played basketball. He graduated from Cathedral Prep and played football with Mike McCoy.

James served in the United States Air Force for three years. He worked as a sales representative for Nabisco for 33 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and the beach, and was an excellent craftsman.

He was predeceased by a brother Corky.

He is survived by his wife Pam, and five children Jamie (Terry) Gonseth of Sackets Harbor, Jimmy (Christy) Olszewski of Alabama, Annie (Jeff) Williams of watertown, Luke Olszewski of Sandy Creek, Josh Olszewski of North Carolina, four siblings, Patty Ozimek (Pete) of Erie, Barbara Ferrick (George) of Erie, Tom Olszewski of California and Sandy Fessler (Rick) of Florida, 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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Recent Activity

January 11, 2022

Tom Calabrese posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2021

Timothy Maloney posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2020

Dorraine Mcintosh posted to the memorial.

71 Entries

Tom Calabrese

January 11, 2022

As time passes, your memory still is as fresh as it was when we first met. You are the one and only "Big O".
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Timothy Maloney

January 11, 2021

I fondly think of the Big "O'" and will remember forever the good times we had together!! He was definitely One Of a Kind!!!!!

Dorraine Mcintosh

January 11, 2020

I have never, and will never forget one of the best guys in Dexter. Love sent to the whole family. Forever in my heart

Tim Maloney

January 11, 2020

The Big Owas unforgettable !! Once you met him you were friends forever . I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the times we had together

Tim Maloney
The Villages, Florida

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robert lambert

May 27, 2015

So sorry for your loss. We were stationed together on Dry Hill. I married Ruth Shepard from Evans Mills in 1966.

Becky Kalista Palguta

May 22, 2015

To all of our cousins...I just saw this and I am so sorry. He will be in my prayers. Becky (Kalista) Palguta

April Regester (Palmer)

February 20, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Olszewski Family. My brother let me know recently that Mr. Olszewski had passed away and I wished I had stayed in contact with someone in the family to offer my sympathies. Although the family may not remember me - I remember them! I grew up across the street on Brown Avenue and recall such great memories from spending time at the Olszewski house. I spent hours in the treehouse, playing in the pool, and other kid activities and Mr. Olszewski was always so open and warm to having me there. I moved away as a young child and was fortunate to see Mr. Olszewski when I visited with my family a few years ago. He was able to meet my own kids and we reminisced about old times. My family was probably not the easiest family to be neighbors with; I am sure my Dad told way too many unwanted jokes:) However, I have only the best memories and was very saddened to hear of your loss, and wanted to know that he touched many lives in such positive ways!

mike mccoy

February 16, 2015

My condolences to Olszewski Family
Jim and I grew up a block away.We car polled our sophmore year at Prep.A smile comes to my heart when I think of Jim.
I was contacted about 3 months ago byJim' son.
I had the privilege to speak with Jim and pray with him.Thank for reaching out.
Be encouraged we will see him again.
In Christ,
Mike McCoy
John3:16-17

Crystal becoat

February 6, 2015

I waited awhile to sign the guestbook.When I think of Mr.O, I think of all the times I would see him either at the school, in a store working, outside his home, and even spending the night as a child with Jamie Mr. O. Always had a smile and a kind word. You could tell he loved his family, his life, and people. He was the type of man that made you just want to do a little more, a little better, try a little harder. You know they were great parents and great family because you always felt like part of their family when you were around them. I never heard a unkind word about him or his family, that in itself speaks volumes. When I read that he had passed, my heart went immediately sad for this family for their loss. However, I know they Love the Lord and know and can find comfort knowing that he is in heaven.My condolences, prayers, and love are with each and everyone of you. Crystal Becoat (ketcham)

Gary Kolarik

January 26, 2015

The Kolarik Family sends its condolences and prayers to the Olszewski Family for the loss of your father. I graduated with and played football with Jim at Cathedral Prep. He was a good friend and a great man. Everybody loved the Big O. What's not to love?! Look at those eyes and look at that smile. They haven't changed in 50 years because they reflect Jim's great heart and great sense of humor. Thanks for the friendship and the memories, Jim. Love you. God blessed you and all you met. Gary Kolarik

Doug Adams

January 24, 2015

Luke and I were childhood friends, and the whole Olszewski family was so nice to me growing up. Later I worked for Jim and he found ways to teach me social lessons in a kind way that I have used to this day. He saw through a lack of polish and found the best in people. Jim left behind a great family, and I send my condolences to them.

Joan Eberlein Peterson

January 23, 2015

So many fond memories of Jim. He was a kind, loving and considerate young man in high school. I never met him again after high school but always wished I had. Rest in Peace Jim and may the angels guide you to your heavenly home.

January 23, 2015

Sorry for your great loss he was a great cousin and wonderful guy. missed by your cousin Patti Kolodziejczak. I will have amass said for you at St. Johns church.

Mike Heberle

January 23, 2015

To my best friend the Big "O". I will
always remember St John's, Prep and
later on the few times we had together.
My thoughts are with you Pam and Family. Rest in Peace Jim.

Tom Calabrese

January 22, 2015

The thought of you will always bring a smile. You were a real beacon if joy to so many. I offer my condolences and prayers for the entire Olszewski family. Rest in Peace "Big O" you will be always be remembered fondly by your classmates, teammates and friends.

Saint John's 1961

Jim Fries

January 22, 2015

My condolences to the Olszewski family. The big O was my teammate and one of my best friends. There will never be another like him.

Tim Maloney

January 22, 2015

The Big "O" was a good friend growing up. His sense of humor and the ability to make all those around him enjoy life and laughter were infectious. I will miss you buddy. Rest in Peace.

Tim Maloney, Prep '65
The Villages, Florida

Mark Slomski

January 22, 2015

Aunt Barb, Patty, Sandy and families,
My sympathy and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May your Brother Rest in Peace.

Jim LeCorchick

January 22, 2015

Prayers for one of the best classmates ever. The Big O was so much fun and provided a lot of great memories.

January 22, 2015

My sympathy on the passing of your husband, father and brother. Jim was a special friend when I was in high school and I have many fond memories of him. I know he will be sadly missed, but know that his memory will always remain in your hearts.

Mona M

January 21, 2015

Josh....I'm very sorry to hear about your father....Peace to you all

Paul Kuczynski

January 21, 2015

My condolences to the Olszewski family - Pam, children and grandchildren. I was stationed with Jim at Dry Hill and he was a good friend. Peace to All.

Carlos Medina

January 21, 2015

Pam: Vanessa & I are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I worked with Jim for many years at Nabisco and have nothing but fine thoughts of Jim.

Patricia Callahan (Petrie)

January 20, 2015

Pam, I am so sorry. I just found out today or I would have been at the service. May God help get you through this sorrowess time.

Don Keruskie

January 20, 2015

Please accept my sincerest condolences. Jim was a shining example of manhood. Know that his memory, his deeds and his wonderful family will remain strong because they were built by his strength. To myself and countless other men from his community, his life will remain a lesson in living life to its fullest. I'm grateful for his influence.

January 20, 2015

Jamie, I am so saddened to read of your loss. I know you were so very close to your dad....there really are no words. I will keep him, as well as your entire family, especially you, in my prayers and in my book of intentions. While I did not know your dad, he sure sounds like a fantastic man and I know he will be so missed.
May God Bless your entire family and give you Grace.
My Deepest Sympathies
Sara Daniels ( Lillies nana!)

Lisa R

January 20, 2015

Josh,
Thinking of you. You and your family are in my prayers, that you may be comforted by the love of friends and family over the coming days.

January 20, 2015

Josh,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He'll always be in your memories and you'll look back and remember those good times. I do that all the time with memories of my dad. We miss you at work and we'll see you when you get back.

Tiresa Baylor

January 20, 2015

Condolences to the family!

Carole Cox-Carroll

January 20, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss and your family are in my prayers.

Mark Rys

January 20, 2015

Will miss you Jim. It was great to reconnect with you in the manner we did at the Family Reunion this past Summer. The time we spent talking and reminiscing were the highlights of my memories of that event. Family and the love we share for each other transcend the boundaries between life and death. God bless you Jim. love you cuz!!

David Allen

January 19, 2015

I am sorry for your loss, always loved talking to Jim.

Matt Vaadi

January 19, 2015

Jim was a great man and it is an honor to know him. All of our lives are better for the experiences we shared. Your family has always been there for me and I will return the favor in any way I can. Jim always made me smile and I will miss him greatly.

Ken Petrie

January 19, 2015

RPI, Big Man, you always could put a smile on my face. My thoughts and prayers

Debbie Van Brocklin

January 19, 2015

My deepest sympathies for your loss

Beth and Steve Newton

January 19, 2015

Mrs. Olszewski, Jamie, Annie and Family:

I have many memories of Mr. Jim from family functions at Uncle Dick and Aunt Jackie's and Uncle Lynn's. As well as when we were all first married and your Dad joined us at our monthly gatherings. Always with a smile on his face and an arm around Pam. I'm very sorry I will not be there today to celebrate the love for this great man. Sending you all a huge hug! ??

Marty and Carl Cohen

January 19, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Your famiy is in my prayers.

January 19, 2015

Pam, Jim was a great man. He will be missed. Memories of your years together will comfort you at this difficult time.
Warm regards, Ed Gocek

Bonnie Raso

January 19, 2015

Tom & Mary Upton

January 19, 2015

Jim, a quick witted man, always with a smile and kind words. Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Lyn Reff Aviste

January 18, 2015

Jamie,Terry and family,so sorry for the loss of your Dad.

Colleen Purvis & family

January 18, 2015

My heart is heavy thinking of your loss of your husband, father, & grandfather/great grandfather. He has certainly left his mark on this earth... Leaving behind such a beautiful family. More importantly, he truly will be remembered so fondly by so many, as he always made you feel good when you were in his presence, always made you feel welcome & always made you laugh... And that smile is something we will never forget. God gained a great man, and your family is blessed with an Angel. May he rest in peace & may we see him again,in Gods speed my friend??

Denny & Kathy Lane

January 18, 2015

Our family wants to send our condolences to your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Take care & god bless. Denny & Kathy Lane.

Debra Streeter

January 18, 2015

My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Any time I saw your father he was always so very proud of his family. As long as you have your memories, he will never really be gone.

Cindy Shue

January 18, 2015

Such a special person in so many ways. Our deepest sympathies to the Olszewski family. Sincerely, the Shue & Curtis family

Tom Needell

January 18, 2015

My sincere regrets to those who knew him best and loved him the most.Jim was the real thing: A good person,who you enjoyed being in the company of.The world will be a lesser place without him.

Stephen Cronk

January 18, 2015

What a great man. He will be truley missed by so many people. I have fond memories of him as a child. Please have our most sincerest sympathies from the Cronks in Arizona. We love you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Marcia Gaffney

January 18, 2015

My husband John Gaffney always liked Jim so much. John became friends with him through Acme Markets, IGA or Hannafords where John was a meat cutter (I'm not sure if it was one of them or all) He always spoke very highly of him. John passed away last year. I send my deepest sympathy to all the family for him.

Albert & Nancy Roberts

January 18, 2015

We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Pam and Jamie, Jimmy, Annie, Luke and Josh. Jim will be missed by so many. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna Cronk

January 18, 2015

Jesus walk with you through this difficult time, Pam. My prayers are with you. I know your thoughts are heavenward and you have that comfort of joining him someday, May you and your family sense God's presence everyday and receive His love and comfort. God loves you very much and He will stay close to you.

Nancy Ozimek

January 18, 2015

I am so sorry to Pam and Family for your loss. I always loved uncle Jim. He made me laugh and he was very kind. I know we will miss him always. But I am glad he is not suffering anymore. God Bless!

Jeff and Robin Strough

January 18, 2015

Jamie, Terry, Annie, Jeff and the entire family. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May your memories provide you comfort during this difficult time. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. In friendship.....

Donald Osborn

January 18, 2015

Pam & family

Words can not express the hurt we feel on Jim's passing. You are in our prayers daily.

Don & Ginny Osborn

Scott Osborn

January 18, 2015

Jim was a good friend and as well as a mentor for me. He helped me when I was just starting out. I will always remember him for that.

Amy & Chris Ingerson

January 18, 2015

Jamie and family,
So sorry to read about your Dad's passing, having lost my Dad a little over a year ago, I know how difficult it is. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Morris

January 18, 2015

Jamie and Family,
I am so sorry about your dad. You are in my prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Linda Morris

Gary, Sue Black

January 18, 2015

Our thoughts and prayer are with you

Leslie Gayne

January 18, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Leslie and Jim Gayne and family

Tina Ault

January 18, 2015

Jim will be remembered as one of our favorite friends that Terry and I had.Words cannot express how sad we are.He was loved like a brother.

Jeff and Kim Cateon

January 18, 2015

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Olszewski family. Jim was a great guy who always made others feel better about themselves. He always had a way of infusing humor into conversations.

Paul & Ilene Nutting

January 18, 2015

Jim..was someone you would never forget.
Very kind in so many ways. Love to have a lot of fun. Lived everyday to it's fullest.Our prayers go out to your family. You will be missed by many.
Paul and Ilene Nutting

Tim & Kate Callahan

January 18, 2015

When we think of the Big O we will remember so many happy times. Dancing at the Legion, playing Volley Ball boating and so much more. We will miss you.

Amy Robinson

January 17, 2015

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, your family will be in my thoughts and prayers...

January 17, 2015

On behalf of the entire Kalk family my thoughts and prayers go out to the Olszewski family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Kalk

Tina Narrow-Kimmis

January 17, 2015

Jim and Jamie, sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. May you find peace during this difficult time. Much love to you both.

Sherry Damon-Brown

January 17, 2015

Jamie, my heart is just breaking for you. I know the pain of loosing your dad. I pray the Lord will bring your family comfort and peace during this difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Melba Jean Ellingsworth

January 17, 2015

Many prayers are going out to your family at this very sad time. Jim was a great person and I will always remember him fondly.

Kim Allen

January 17, 2015

Uncle Jim. Thoughts prayers and memories are sent to your family at this time. I will always remember your incredible smile and heart warming presence. May you be in God's hands watching joyfully upon us!

Joseph Reff

January 17, 2015

My condolences to the family. I respected and have great admiration for Mr. O. So sorry for the loss of a great man.

Kelly Heise Hamlin

January 17, 2015

My thoughts and prayers for peace are with you all. He was a great man!!!! He will be greatly missed. Love you all.

Dorry McIntosh

January 17, 2015

Pam,Jamie,Jimmy,Annie,Luke And Luke, my heart goes out to all of you at this very sad time. He is now an angel to look over all of you. Love to you all.

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