James David Olsen's Obituary
OLSEN, JAMES DAVID was born on June 18, 1937 in Houston, Texas to Carl Iver Olsen and Mary Virginia Browning Norris Olsen. He graduated from Spring Branch High School in Houston, TX in 1955. “Jim” attended the University of Oklahoma and earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1961. At OU, he was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. While completing his undergraduate studies, he was married to Sue Ann Sanford from August 16, 1959 to February 2, 1982. In this marriage he had two sons, David Carl Olsen and Eric Michael Olsen who is married to Pamela. His oldest son David has two children, Ashley Elise Olsen and Trevor Ryan Olsen. His first job out of college was with the Federal Power Commission in Washington, D.C. He continued his education at George Washington University where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1968. He became a Board Certified Patent Attorney while working for the U.S. Patent Office. He moved to Richardson, TX in 1969 to work for Sun Oil Company as a Patent Attorney. Later he began attending First Christian Church in Plano, TX where he served on the board and organized the blood drive that has continued for over 25 years. He became active in the singles class where he met and was married to Barbara June Miller Leach Olsen during the Christmas worship service on December 25, 1988. In this marriage he acquired stepdaughters, Kerrie Lynne Leach Milligan Whitson and Amy Elizabeth Leach Larson and stepgrandchildren, Melanie Lynne Milligan, Megan Nicole Milligan, Katie Seychelle Larson, and Benge Anthony Larson. Jim died on May 11, 2012 in Richardson, TX. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle spirit. Jim’s family will receive friends at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Monday, May 14, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. The service will be at Restland Wildwood Chapel on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?