Dr. James W. Olson Dds

1939 - 2025

Olson, DDS,

Dr. James W.

Jan 13, 1939 - Dec 22, 2025

Dr. James W. Olson, DDS, a prominent Lockport dentist, passed away at the age of 86 on December 22, 2025, following a decade-long battle with dysplastic anemia. He was born on January 13, 1939, at Our Lady of Victory Hospital to his parents, Dr. Ernst A. and Alice (O'Toole) Olson, both employees of the hospital. Dr. Olson was a graduate of Frontier High School, Syracuse University, and the State University of New York at Buffalo Dental School in 1964. As a student-athlete, he was selected to the 1955–56 first-team ECIC AAA basketball team, and played freshman basketball at Syracuse University. He also threw two no-hitters in baseball. Following graduation from dental school, Dr. Olson was drafted into the U.S. Army Dental Corps. His military service included time in the Northern Mountain Range of South Korea and Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, he married Mary Beth Sullivan of Lockport at the Sam Houston Army Chapel in 1966. Dr. Olson maintained a dental practice in Lockport for 53 years, serving patients throughout Eastern Niagara and Orleans Counties. He was a member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Society, the Niagara Dental Society, and the Western New York 8th District Dental Society, from which he earned an award for completing over 1,500 hours of continuing education. He was very skilled in his chosen profession, and earned the accolades of many patients and other dental professionals throughout the years for his dental artistry. Dr. Olson was an avid golfer, and longtime member of Lockport Town and Country Club, where he established and maintained lifelong friendships. When golf became too frustrating, he enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Cananda. He achieved two holes-in-one, and caught a provincial-record northern pike in Manitoba weighing over 25 pounds. He also loved to plant and care for flowers, and enjoyed nature's beauty. Dr. Olson is survived by his wife, Mary Beth (Sullivan) Olson, four loving children and seven grandchildren who will miss him dearly, including Suzanne (Vincent) Dell'Oso (Joseph and Carly Dell'Oso); Elizabeth DeFazio; David and Kimberly (Thrall) Olson (Taylor and Charles Olson); Caroline Lewandowski (William, Michael, and Olivia Lewandowski). He is also survived by a sister in law, Judith Olson; brother in law James (Rosemary) Sullivan; brother in law Michael (Candace) Sullivan; sister in law, Martha Roeder, and cousin, Jay Toole. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara, and brother, David. Dr. Olson was known for his kind and gentle spirit, wisdom, humility, and generosity. He was a legend of sorts in the local community as a lover of life and the people in his life. He thoroughly enjoyed doing for others with no expectation of reciprocity. His legacy of love, kindness and service will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Dr. Olson encouraged others to become blood and organ donors. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Sunday, December 28th from 11 AM – 3 PM at Prudden And Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.