James Lee Olson

James Lee Olson, 83 of Sioux City, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at his residence comforted by family.  Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Reverend Del Olivier officiating (family suggests casual dress).  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation, with the family present, will be one hour prior to services.  Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com  Memorials may be directed to the family.

James was born on September 12, 1937 in Mapleton, Iowa to John and Mina (Hendricksen) Olson.  He married Sheryl Stoller on July 6, 1968 in Sioux City.  The family resided in Sioux City.  James started working full-time at age 14.  By age 16, he was driving a straight truck to Saint Paul, Minnesota and back every day (sometimes twice on Sundays).  James worked for various companies at the Sioux City Stockyards as a cattle buyer.  After the Yards closed, he worked as a security guard, delivered flowers, and worked at the convention center, and the women and children’s center. 

In 1989, James was awarded the Salvation Army’s Bell Ringer of the Year Award.  He told Sheryl that it wasn’t important, and she didn’t need to leave work to attend.  Later that day, she found out it was presented to him by Vice-President Dan Quayle. 

James is survived by his wife Sheryl of Sioux City; two daughters Stacie Braband and Lisa Olson, both of Sioux City; two grandsons Brock Braband and Chase Braband and his Fiancé Brianna, all of Sioux City; brother Ron (Mary) Olson of Lemars, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Brenda Olson of Sioux City, and Vicky (Randy) Madsen of Onawa, Iowa; and all of his “favorite” nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sister Iona Wood, and brothers Merlin, Dale, Verne, and Jerry Olson.