Jim Olson

James “Jim” Kenneth Olson, age 74 of Leonardville, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

He was born on July 23, 1949 in Clay Center, the son of Kenneth Hayden and Elda Jean (Malmstrom) Olson.

On August 12, 1978, he married Evadne Chalmers Hilliard at the Leonardville United Methodist Church.

Jim was a computer programmer at Kansas State University.  Earlier in his working years he owned and operated the Riley Countian newspaper.  He then worked overnight at the K-State Collegian before working in computer programming.  He was a member of the Leonardville United Methodist Church, Leonardville Lions Club, Leonardville Pride and Leonardville Senior Citizens, where he cooked and was treasurer for several years.  He served his community being on Leonardville City Council (Treasurer), Leonardville Library Board (President), and U.S.D. 378 Riley County School Board.

He is survived by his wife, Evadne Olson of Leonardville; five children, Raylyn Ramsgard of Omaha, Nebraska, Mike Hilliard and wife Michelle of Sedgwick, Donna Bever and husband Jeff of Colwich, Don Hilliard and wife Kathi of Garnett and Robert Hilliard and wife Jamie of Rose Hill; one brother, John Olson and wife Judy of Parsons; one sister, Judy Foster of Sedan; sixteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Leonardville Community Church.

Memorials may be made to the Leonardville Community Church.  Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.