James Raymond Olsen

In the early morning hours of May 12, 2025, James Raymond Olsen held hands with his beloved wife of 60 years, Marilyn, as he passed peacefully through the veil into the awaiting arms of the Savior and loving parents, brothers, sister, and grandson among many others.

Born on October 6, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charles Franklin Olsen and Claretta Pearl Hill, Jim was the youngest of eight sons and one stillborn sister. His father passed when Jim was just two, leaving his devoted mother to raise him and his brothers. Growing up in Springville, Utah, Jim cherished his family and the memories made tagging along with his seven older brothers. He attended local schools, where his love for music flourished, playing the baritone and French horn in the junior high and high school bands and orchestra. A natural leader, he was elected Mayor (student body president) during his senior year at Springville High School.

Jim served a 2½-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand South Mission, where his testimony of Jesus Christ deepened, alongside a lifelong love for the islands, its people, and the Maori culture. At Brigham Young University, he met his eternal companion, Marilyn Ruth Stewart, whom he affectionately called “MRS Olsen.” They married in the Manti Temple in 1964 and moved to St. Louis, where Jim completed dental school at Washington University. During his final year, he joined the U.S. Army Dental Corps, serving 3½ years as a dentist near Clausen, Germany, where their first son, Stewart, was born. The family cherished their time in Germany, forming lifelong friendships.

Returning to Utah, Jim and Marilyn settled in Holladay, building a home they’ve owned for 53 years. The couple welcomed two more children, Christian and Jaime, completing their family.

Jim opened a dental practice in Sugarhouse, serving patients for 37 years while building strong relationships with his amazing patients and employees. He also served 22 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel.

Jim and Marilyn loved to travel and create memories with their little family. Yearly trips to Anaheim and Lake Powell were the highlights of the year. During these road trips, he would crank up his classical music and quiz the kids on the names of the songs as he skillfully air-conducted an imaginary orchestra as he drove down the road.

A skilled handyman, Jim built a family log cabin in Timberlakes with help from many friends and family. He was always ready to fix or build, often helping others with projects like finishing basements or fixing sprinklers. Jim was always the first call when we needed help with anything.

Jim was known for his generosity and kindness. He enjoyed providing opportunities for family, friends and neighbors to gather and have a good time together. Whether it was hosting swim parties, cabin trips, jet skiing at the lake, providing big Sunday family dinners each week, or making memorable Christmas scavenger hunts, he truly loved bringing happiness to everyone. We are also learning of many quiet generous acts of service and assistance that he has given to many people throughout the years.

As each of his grandkids (Alix, Whitney, Rachael, Aiden, Nick, Charlie, Jackson, Laci, Lexi, Berkeley, & TJ) and great-grandkids (Andy, Brooks, Cameron, Brynli, Nora, Luka, Bellamie, Andi, Archie, Max, & babies Greener and Olsen) came along, his heart and joy expanded exponentially. He loved them so much and they completely adored him. He had a unique and special bond with each of them and it’s highly likely that each is confident that they were his most favorite. The grands and greats will always cherish their Grandpa, Papa, Opa. He was the absolute best!

Jim’s deep testimony of Jesus Christ was his greatest treasure. He shared it through actions and words, often at weekly family dinners where he’d ask everyone to share two things they were grateful for, always tying his response to his faith in Christ and his genuine appreciation to Heavenly Father for all we have been blessed with. He and Marilyn maintained daily family prayer throughout their marriage. Jim served faithfully in many church callings, including branch president in Germany, scoutmaster, financial clerk for over 23 years, and temple worker in the Salt Lake and Jordan River Temples. Jim and Marilyn especially love being part of the Holladay 8th ward for the last 53 years.

James is survived by his wife, Marilyn Stewart Olsen; children, Stewart (Suzi) Olsen, Christian (Jeni) Olsen, and Jaime (Dan) Summerhays; 10 grandchildren; and soon-to-be 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Berkley, Kenneth (Geneva), Lee (Genevieve), Benjamin (Mary Jane), Don (Bernice), Darwin (Janet), Douglas; sister, Sandra; and a grandson, TJ.

A funeral will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at 5450 S Holladay Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84117. Viewings are scheduled for Sunday, May 18, from 6:00–8:00 PM, and Monday, May 19, from 10:00–10:45 AM at the same location. All are welcome to celebrate Jim’s life.

Livestream https://zoom.us/j/98439260315?pwd=RjBkTXUvc1hmWUlkdGpuTlVvNUtoZz09

“Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.” – Be Still, My Soul

-Aroha ahau ki a koe. Ka kite anō.