James
(Jim) Henry Olson, 67, co-owner of Glacier Bail Bonds, passed away February
27, 2009 at the Great Falls Clinic Medical Center from cancer. A memorial
service will be held on March 14th at 11am at the Whitted Funeral
Chapel located at 225 6th Avenue South in Shelby, Montana.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Becky Olson of Cut Bank, his daughter Sherri Nault of Great Falls, his son John Olson of Bozeman, his son-in-law Patrick Nault and grandchildren Stephanie and Christopher Love from Great Falls, his sister Ann France of Wenatchee, Washington and his brothers Mark Olson from Karval, Colorado and Matt Olson from Pueblo, Colorado. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Mary Olson (Bowers).
Jim was born January 22, 1942 in Karval, Colorado and remained in the area until he joined the United States Marines in 1959. While stationed in Manila, Philippines, Jim met Becky Fager, fell in love and they were married on August 17th, 1963. In 1964, their daughter Sherri was born and then in 1970 their son John was born. During the early and mid-1970’s, Jim and Becky were traveling around the United States as truckers until Jim hurt his back in 1977. In 1980 Jim received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and began a career in Law Enforcement that included being a volunteer Police Officer in Minatare, Nebraska, a Deputy Sheriff in Alliance, Nebraska, then Police Officer and Chief of Police in Hemingford, NE. Then in 1992, Jim, Becky and John moved to Great Falls, Montana where Jim worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a Victim/Witness Advocate. He then spent about eight years working as a Child Court Administrator and Prosecutor for the Black Feet Tribe in Browning. He spent several years afterwards working at the Shelby Prison as the Programs Manager until 2003 when he and Becky took over Glacier Bail Bonds where he was a bondsman until he passed away.
Jim had several passions including arrowhead hunting with Becky, working in his garage and pouring concrete designs and landscaping as well as camping and canoeing with his family which they had done since 1982. Jim also loved making their near-famous and coveted jerky with Becky and their family to share with other family, friends and associates. Over the years, Jim and Becky have been kind to hundreds of people they had bonded out including many times bonding people out without any money with the promise of being repaid soon after being released. At this point, they are owed well over $100,000. It is hoped that in this very difficult time for Becky and her family, that many of the people that had been helped out by Jim and Becky could see fit to repay what they owe in gratitude for the kindness and trust that Jim and Becky believed so much in. Memorials or repayments can be sent to Becky Olson at 126 6th Ave. NE, Cut Bank, MT 59427.