James A. Olson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Jim "Eaglebeak" Olson, 75, passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 4, 2014, at his home in Wakefield.

Jim was born on Jan. 6, 1939, in Bergland, a son of Edward Walker and Dorie Loretta (Negro) Olson. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1957. Eagle was recognized for his athletic talents in all sports, particularly exceling in football and track.

Following graduation, Jim and other very close friends made their way to Camp Pendleton, Calif., to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for three years, and was honorably discharged on June 27, 1960. Jim was a longstanding member of the Gogebic-Iron Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

After returning to Wakefield, Jim worked at Copper Range Company in White Pine.  During troubled times, he worked as a belt splicer in the western states and also in the construction trade and logging industry.

On Oct. 10, 1964, Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Margaret Tarnaski, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay. They made their home in Wakefield and were blessed with three children. Patricia preceded him in death on May 12, 1986.

On Oct. 2, 1987, Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Smith in Ironwood.

When his children were young, he enjoyed taking them out to the lake or rivers to fish and into the Northwoods to hunt. Jim was a professional scuba and skin diver and made certain that they were all able to swim at an early age.

Being a man of the Northwoods, he actually loved the smell of a chainsaw while making firewood. Jim particularly enjoyed spending time in his workshop in his garage and looked forward to sharing a libation and good conversation with his friends and neighbors who would stop by. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he always looked forward to their visits. Oh, and one more thing, Go Packers!

He and Phyllis enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada, and lately taking an occasional ride on their Polaris side-by-side.

Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis; three children, Kim (Neil) Corcoran, Ironwood, James (Leslie Sampson) Olson, Wakefield, and Terry (Robert) Jacobs, Williston, Vt .; three grandchildren, Jimmy and Samantha Olson, Ramsay, and Tyler Jacobs, Williston; his mother and stepfather, Dorie and Wilbur Olson, Wakefield; a brother, Sidney (Mary Jane) Olson, San Juan Capistrano, Calif .; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved dog, Sheila.

Besides his first wife, Patricia, he was preceded in death by his father, Edward; and his brother-in-law, James "Jungle" Tarnaski, in 2001.

At Jim's request, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, Nov. 10, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Antony Lukka as celebrant.

Rite of Committal and burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard and the Gogebic-Iron Detachment 1133, Marine Corps League, Hurley, Wis.

Lunch will be served at the American Legion Geroux Post 11, 605 River St., in Wakefield, following the military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.