James Edward Olsen, age 81 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, entered Heaven peacefully while surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Jim was born on August 16, 1940, to John Gerhardt Olsen and Martha Ann Schlick Olsen in Elgin, Illinois. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother John “Snook” Olsen, and his precious granddaughter Addi Beth Olsen.
Jim was married to Donna Ann Daily on July 25, 1959. Their marriage of 62 years was blessed with five children, their spouses, nineteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Olsen; his children and their spouses: Kathy (Larry) Pace, Jimmy (Pansy) Olsen, Mary Beth (Jon) Ainbinder, Rebecca (Jason) Dickey, and David (Lori) Olsen; eighteen grandchildren: Jamie (John) Scahill, James “Bud” (Chera) Olsen, Jonathan Ainbinder, Justin (Anna) Olsen, Joshua (Ericka) Olsen, Jared Ainbinder, Jordan Olsen, Austin Dickey, Jodie Olsen, Allie Dickey, Kayla Jo Pace, Jay (Ashlynn) Olsen, Abbi Olsen, Alex Dickey, Anna Olsen, Anderson Dickey, Aden Olsen, Alli “Sass” Olsen; and nine great-grandchildren: Juddson Olsen, Emma Olsen, Haley Olsen, Brody Olsen, Heidi Olsen, Jenna Paige Scahill, Hope Olsen, Blakely Olsen, and Harper Olsen. Jim is also survived by his brother Bill (Donna) Olsen.
Jim put his faith in Jesus Christ in 1959. He began to serve the Lord in the church faithfully for more than 60 years. While in Georgia, he was involved in serving the youth, bus, and deaf ministries. After moving to Tennessee, he continued serving the Lord at Franklin Road Baptist Church for over 30 years. Jim had a passion for supporting missionaries while also serving at the local Good Shepherd Children’s Home. Jim started Olsen’s Packaging and Parts in 1981 which is still successfully operating within the family. His hobby was tinkering with cars and trucks, but working was a real enjoyment to him. He was never too busy to stop and talk to anyone whether he knew you or not. But above all, his greatest love in life was spending time with his family. It was not hard to see that his grandchildren were his pride and joy.
The family will be receiving guests on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 6 PM – 8 PM at Franklin Road Baptist Church. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 11 AM with viewing an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Gardens in Woodbury, Tennessee.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net