With gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of James Howard “Jim” Olesen in the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on July 12, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on January 3^rd, 1941, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, and spent much of his early childhood in Vancouver, BC, and in Three Hills, AB. Eventually the family settled in Red Deer in 1950. In his youth, Jim was a champion bowler and baseball player, and always enjoyed a good game of Crib or Bridge.

After high school, Jim attended the University of Alberta to pursue a career in education. He received his Bachelor of Education and began teaching at the Eastview Junior High in 1963. He taught for over 30 years, with the last 2 years of his career spent teaching at Hunting Hills High School.

Jim was a pillar of the community; In addition to being a teacher for Red Deer Public Schools, he also belonged to both the Kinsmen and Elks groups in Red Deer.

Jim enjoyed a number of hobbies, including traveling, theatre, local hockey, and most of all spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his brother Ken (Valerie); niece Christine; nephews Michael (Coralie) and their son Anthony, and Stephen (Sarah) and their children Adam and Leah. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Clara Olesen.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Friday, August 23, at 1:00 PM, in the First Baptist Church, 4310 – 39 St., Red Deer AB.

Two charities that were important to Jim were the Red Deer Hospice Society and the Autism Society of Alberta. As such, memorial donations may be made to either charity in Jim’s memory. Condolences to Jim’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Olesen” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2024-08-01
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB (Locally Owned)