John James Olson, 80, of Mannington, passed away on May 6, 2026.
With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce his passing. Though our hearts are deeply broken by the loss of our beloved Dad, we find comfort and peace in knowing he is now resting eternally in God’s loving care, surrounded by His everlasting grace and safely embraced in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Born on October 23, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late John Olson and Christina VanDerBeck.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Ruth Gonzales Olson, affectionately known as “Luv Luv”; his brother, Alex Olson; and his sisters, Alice Passantino, Suzanne Olson, and Diane Tillander.
He is survived by his children: daughter Summer Massey (Kevin) of Texas; daughter TerraLee Vera of Pennsylvania; daughter Corrina Wenck of Nebraska; son Robert Olson of Pennsylvania; and daughter Nicole VanName-Olson of Kansas; son George Tyler (Julie) of Henderson Nevada; daughter Sherry Smith (Peter) of Canton MA. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Juszczak (Charles) and Emily Weil; and his brothers, Victor Gaspar and Gary Gaspar.
He also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren, Michael Vera, Robert Vera, Jessica Vera, Vincent Vera, Michael Wenck, and Destiny Wenck Princeton Tyler, Trenton Tyler, Clayton Tyler, Christian Tyler, Sierra Tyler, Julia Quinn, Aidan Quinn, Ronan Smith, Killian Smith ; two great granddaughters, Taylor Enriquez and Lillian Enriquez; along with thirteen nieces and nephews.
John James Olson was a devoted man of faith and a member of Mannington Church of the Nazarene and Park View Church of the Nazarene. He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments – playing chess, reading and writing poetry, listening to music, playing video games, and spending cherished time with his beloved dogs. A gifted writer and creative spirit, he was also the proud published author of four books.
He truly loved his job at Job Squad and cherished the friendships he made there. He had a deep passion for his work and thought of his coworkers as family. The love and friendship shared among his work family brought him great joy throughout his life.
Above all, John will be remembered for his gentle heart, unique spirit, creativity, quiet wisdom, humor, storytelling, love of music, and the special way he loved those around him. Many will also remember his thick hair and striking blue eyes, which seemed to catch the attention of everyone he met. His life touched many in different ways, and his memory will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.
Though his earthly journey has ended, we take comfort in knowing he has found eternal peace in Heaven above. May he now walk beside our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and rest forever in His heavenly kingdom.
Friends and family will be received at Harmer Funeral Home on Monday, May18, 2026 From 4:00PM to 7:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday May 26 at 12:00PM with Rev. Michael Delligatti officiating.
