James P. Olson, 71, of Galesburg, died at 11:43 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2017, at home.
He was born April 9, 1946, in Galesburg. He was raised by his step-father and mother, Lee and Florence (Powless) Skeen. He married Sue Gibbons on September 2, 1988 in Lake of the Ozarks.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sue; a step-son, Stephen T. Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; an aunt, Gladys Stoneking of Moline; three cousins; and close friends, Al and Brad Lucy of Galesburg and Bill Ackman of Stronghurst. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim was a conductor for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years. He retired April 30, 2006. He was a lifelong resident of Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1964. He enjoyed dirt track racing and drag racing.
James served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969. He was a Boatswain’s Mate stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
