Julian Earl Olson, lovingly known as “Jinx” in the South, departed this life on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a long battle with respiratory illness, at the young age of 83 years. He was born on July 18, 1940 in Swifton, Arkansas to George Olson and Ruby Jewell Thompson. Though he and his older brother Donald grew up in Detroit, Michigan, they spent many memorable summers with their grandfather, Otto Julian, in Swifton.
At 17 years old, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Hancock after the Air Force denied him entry for being too young. Honorably discharged in 1961, he moved to San Francisco where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at San Francisco State University and his Master of Business degree at Golden Gate University. As a Sales Manager in Silicon Valley, Julian worked with progressive companies that developed leading edge technologies. He eventually retired to Swifton, where he enjoyed researching and writing books, riding his bicycle around town, and spending time with family, his church community, and proudly serving as a Gideon. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and unending thirst for knowledge.
Julian is survived by his former spouse, Michi Olson of Las Vegas, Nevada; their daughters, Amanda Olson of San Francisco, California, and Jessica Wu and spouse Sam, of Henderson, Nevada; and their granddaughter, Melanie Wu. Julian is also survived by special cousins Penny and Rob Slagley of Swifton, and many other cousins and a host of friends. All of Swifton.
Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Swifton Assembly Life Center on Felicia Street in Swifton. Please come and celebrate “Jinx”. Dinner will be served. Everyone invited.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Swifton Assembly of God Life Center or Gideons International.
