James M. Olson

James M. Olson, 90, passed away Dec.11, 2025, in Snohomish WA, with his wife Lynn, son Micah and daughter and son-in-law Kaeli and Howard Clark left at his side. He also leaves behind granddaughter Kacia Ghetmiri (Seena), great grandson Brodie Ghetmiri, niece Jamie Ferrier (Jim), nephew Dan McCabe (Annamarie), soul brother Paul Bringman (Kathy), foster son John Downing (Lynne) and their daughter Karie Downing. Earlier in his life Jim lost Olsons Mabel and Bill, his parents, his brother Willard, sister Donna, and daughter-in-law Erin.

Jim and Lynn were born, raised and married in Bremerton, WA. He began teaching in Maple Valley, moved to Edmonds School District, and taught physics, chemistry and math there for almost 30 years, using summers for short-term work or travel. One trip was to NM, so “enchanting” he and Lynn moved there, to Animas, where he taught another five years before retiring, and deciding to stay in NM. Jim loved carpentry work almost as much as teaching, so they bought a Deming “fixer-upper” he was able to make beautiful, even adding a spacious garage. They moved back to WA in May 2025.

Jim was active in politics, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed swimming, books, music, camping and travel. He and Lynn made it to every state in the union, to Greece and to Peru. He was known for his sometimes-biting tongue but also for his honesty, sense of humor and devotion to his family. He is greatly missed.