James Olin

Olin, Dr. James R. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Veterinarian & Friend James Rodney Olin, age 80, died peacefully April 15, 2006, surrounded by his family. He served in the Army upon completion of his high school graduation. He entered the Army and served in the Infantry 13th Armored Division, European Theater from 1943-1946. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and five Battle Stars. He then served as a Lieutenant in the Veterinary Corp during the Korean War from 1950-1953. He also served in the USAFR from 1953-1968 retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After WWII he attended Kansas State University and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1950. Jim married his loving wife, Marilyn of 54 years in 1952. He joined the staff at Fiest Animal Hospital in 1953 and purchased the practice in 1954. Their son, David James was born on January 23, 1959. His first granddaughter, Carly Marie, was born on February 11, 1989 followed by granddaughter, Renee Elise, born on July 1, 1992. He practiced veterinarian medicine until his stroke in 1994. Jim was the president and board member of the Minnesota Board of Veterinarian Examiners, member of the AVMA, President of the Small Animal Hospital Association, President of the Ramsey County Humane Society, President of St. Paul Rotary from 1978-1979, District Governor of Rotary International, President of Immanuel Lutheran Church congregation, Board member of the Board of Advisors for the St. Paul Salvation Army, Board member of the Town and Country Bank, member of the St. Paul Athletic Club, VFW Post 1350 and the American Legion. Jim and Marilyn have been members at Augustana Lutheran Church for many years and Jim has always been steadfast in his faith, hosting bible studies in his home until he went to live at the Minnesota Veterans Home. Jim loved to sail, travel worldwide and grow apples in his orchard. Jim and Marilyn hosted many foreign visitors in their home. Lt. Col./Dr. James Olin is survived by loving wife, Marilyn Karen Olin; son, David James Olin; daughter-in-law, Joan Olin; granddaughters, Carly Marie and Renee Elise; sister, Elizabeth Mann; sisters-in-law, Laurean Zampino, Betty Young, Pat Young and Zarida Young; brothers-in-law, Richard Young and Robert Mann; special friends, Meg Gelbmann and Jerry Strelow as well as many loving friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Ruth; brother, Ralph; and sister, Ruth Marie Smith. Service Thursday, 11:00 A.M. at AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1400 South Robert Street, West St. Paul. Private interment Acacia Park Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 5:00-8:00 P.M. at BRADSHAW, 678 South Snelling at Eleanor, St Paul, and also one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to Ramsey County Humane Society or Augustana Lutheran Church. Bradshaw 678 South Snelling Avenue 651-698-3878