James Lowell Olson, 69, soared to his eternal life on December 18, 2025, at the Tabitha Journey House in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife by his side. He was set free from a debilitating disease that trapped him for the final six years of his life. Jim was born in Eldora, Iowa on September 23, 1956, to Reuben and Kathrene Olson, the fourth of four children.

Jim grew up in Garden City Iowa, attending school and graduating from Radcliffe Community High School. One of Jim’s most proud accomplishments was becoming sober in 1977 and maintaining his sobriety for 48 years; something he shared with family, friends and acquaintances. He was an outstanding role model and support for anyone struggling with addiction. His calm and caring presence was appreciated by so many. His sense of humor was subtle and always kind.

Jim had many work experiences: construction, printing services, and retail before fueling his passion for helping others in his work as a transportation specialist at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. He retired in 2019 after 28 years of service when he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease and Parkinsonism.

Jim (aka Oly to many of his Iowa friends) met the love of his life, Zoe Roth at a singles Sunday School Class at St. Paul Methodist Church in Lincoln in 1994. The two developed a deep friendship and love blossomed over five years, creating a new family with his daughter Cassie, and her sons Benjamin, Zachary and Noah on June 12, 1999 when they joined in marriage at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in a beautiful morning ceremony in front of friends and family. Jim was a strong and amazing role model to their children and the best Grandpa to their grandchildren. His love was unconditional. Zoe’s Aunt Ruth bestowed him the honorific title, The Father of Them All!

Throughout his life, Jim was a staunch follower of the University of Iowa athletic programs, especially basketball and football and would share Zoe’s love of Husker volleyball. He also followed all Iowa collegiate sports and rooted for the NFL Minnesota Vikings. Their home in Lincoln was noted for its combination of Hawkeye and Husker representation and the two often joked that they had a mixed marriage; supporting each other’s teams except on the days Iowa and Nebraska played each other. Jim always demonstrated the same calm and reasoned demeanor whether his team won or lost the competition.

Thanks to his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim was able to celebrate his birthday on different occasions watching his beloved Hawkeye football team play at Maryland and Rutgers. The pair introduced him to a new sport and team, the NHL Washington Capitals, and he enjoyed attending and watching the games on television. Jim and Zoe enthusiastically watched their children in all high school sports and music performances. Following attending Noah’s Basic Training graduation, they traveled to Texas to watch Benjamin play in the National Championship Game of the NPSFL where his team won. They supported Zachary in his hockey games. Jim could always be counted on to support the children in all endeavors.

Being able to follow all sports, current events, and the weather (daily checking it for advisories to family – no matter their location) was Jim’s delight in the final six years of his life as his world became smaller due to his illness. Over the years he would call loved ones to advise them of inclement weather in their areas. Zoe would get alerts when she was traveling for work. He was always checking on those he loved.

Jim served as deacon for many years at Bethany Christian Church. He enjoyed setting up and serving communion. He loved to make the coffee for fellowship time. Jim made sure the coffee was on at the Madonna transportation department and for Zoe each morning as he worked earlier hours. The couple often joked that his coffee making was an important biblical service because…Hebrews!

Jim is survived by his wife Zoe, daughter and son-in-law Cassie (Karl) Dietrich of Lincoln; sons and daughters-in-law Benjamin (Brittany) Roth of Frisco, Texas, Zachary (Rachael) Roth of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, and Noah (Ella) Roth of Lincoln; grandchildren Michael, Isadora, Wren Hayley, Hannah and Harper; brother Curtis Olson of Garden City, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Todd (Sarah Murphy) Cherry of Edgewood, Maryland; cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, brother Roger, father-in-law Glen Cherry, mother-in-law Alice Cherry, and granddaughter Hope.

We will celebrate Jim’s life at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Bethany Christian Church, 1645 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska, the Rev. John Dale officiating. Private inurnment will follow at a later date. Family and friends are asked to honor Jim by wearing some form of black, gold or yellow as an acknowledgement of his beloved Hawkeyes.

Memorials to the family for designation to Jim’s favorite charities.

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