BOONE, Iowa—James “Jim” H. Olson, 88, of Boone, Iowa, passed away on April 9, 2024. Jim was born on a farm south of Roland, Iowa, on August 30, 1935, to Magnus and Ella (Hall) Olson. He attended the Roland schools and graduated with the class of 1953. Jim attended Waldorf College and graduated from the Iowa State Teacher’s College (UNI) with a degree in mathematics education.
His college years were interrupted by his service in the US Army at Fort Ord Army Base in California. After graduation from college, he taught mathematics in the following Iowa schools: Clinton, North Mahaska, and Woodbine. Other jobs Jim held were as a computer programmer at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, Long Beach, CA; a field inspector for Pioneer Hybrid Seed Company (30 years); a school bus driver for the Ballard School District, and in his later years as a part-time mathematics instructor at DMACC-Boone Campus, and substitute driver for the Boone School District.
Jim lived in Boone for 24 years with his companion Irene Winters. They spent 15 winters in Mesa, AZ, where they enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and connecting with people. Jim had a talent for singing, and one of his favorite pastimes was karaoke. Very important to Jim was making phone calls, or gathering for coffee with his family members and friends.
Jim is survived by his partner, Irene Winters of Boone, IA, and her family, niece, Julie (Jerry) Bisher of Ames, IA, and their family; and nephew, Jon (Janeen) Christy of Ames, IA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Loren Olson; sister, Dorothy Christy; and brother-in-law, Jim Christy.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Roland Legion Auxiliary, Unit 307,207 Main Street, Roland, IA 50236.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone. Burial will be in the Roland Cemetery in Roland, IA, at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.
James “Jim” Olson, 88, Boone, Iowa
