James Franklin Olszewski

James “Jim” Franklin Olszewski, 84, of Kalkaska passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 6, 2024 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI. Jim was born on July 29, 1940 in Thompsonville, MI to the late Anton Joseph and Thelma Charlotte (Middaugh) Olszewski as the youngest sibling to F. June (Bob) Skellett, Joseph (Judy) Olszewski, Betty (Raymond) Skellett, John (Marlene) Olszewski and Joan (Virgil) Butler. Jim grew up on a hard working farm north of Buckley, MI which forever influenced his life and dedication as well as his love of this country, family, and the outdoors. Jim twice served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army. He enlisted in December 1959 as a telephone linesman and was honorably discharged in December 1962. He loved serving his country and re-enlisted as an artilleryman in November 1974 and served until November 1977 before returning home to Michigan, the only place he ever wanted to live. He worked in home construction, as a mechanic in several positions and eventually retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections as a carpenter. As a jack of all trades, Jim was as comfortable tearing apart an engine as he was building a house. He never had a home that he didn’t transform and he was ever ready with advice to his children when they had a question about home improvements. In his free time, he was an avid hunter who enjoyed bow, crossbow, black powder and rifle hunting both in Michigan and in Colorado where he made an annual pilgrimage with his brothers. He also loved fishing and rock hunting and traveling his wife Gerrie in their RV. Jim was preceded in death by his father, his mother, his sister, June, and his brother, Joseph. He is survived by his second wife V. Gerrie Olszewski and her children Toni (Gordon) Muchez and David Schavey. He is also survived by his first wife Kathleen Charest and their children James (Holly) Olszewski II and Jason (Kristin) Olszewski. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Kyle Muchez, Morgan (Cruz) Aleman, Derrick Sieting, Dominic Schavey, James Olszewski III, Jenna Olszewski, Jacob Olszewski, Bailey “Ellie” Olszewski, Abigail Olszewski and Greyson Olszewski and finally, his beloved fur-baby Bentley. At Jim’s request, there was no service and his cremation was a private affair.

James Franklin Olszewski

July 29, 1940 - August 6, 2024