Watch James' service

Life is a musical. If you don't spontaneously break into song & dance every once in awhile you're not doing it right.

James Alan Olson was born on September 25, 1971, in Ada, MN to Jim & Beverly Olson. He passed peacefully on March 20, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN.

James grew up in rural Twin Valley, MN with his five older siblings. He attended K-12 in Twin Valley where he was active in athletics, music & theater. He especially loved singing in the choir and had an incredible voice, winning numerous awards. James made many lifelong friends during his time in school and brought them along on his life's adventures.

Upon graduation he enrolled in cosmetology courses at Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo, ND. His talents were quickly recognized and upon graduation he became an educator at Josef's in addition to becoming the stylist of choice for many in the area. In time, he opened his own salon in Detroit Lakes, MN, JJ Progressive.

In 2007, in search of continued personal & professional fulfillment, he moved to Minneapolis, MN. There he continued to educate & mentor new stylists and share his time and talents with his clients, most recently at Max Salon & Spa in Bloomington, MN.

Throughout his life James followed his passion for vocal performance & theater, most notably portraying the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz & the Skipper in Gilligan's Island.

In 2009 his world was forever changed when he met Mike Polston. They shared their lives and traveled the world together, marrying in a surprise ceremony performed by their good friend, Eric Berg, on October 16, 2017, on the Danube River in Austria.

James is mourned by his loving husband Mike, siblings, Jodele, John & Mick, Jarel, Jay & Linda, nephews Ethan & Seth, sister-in-law, Ellen Polston, his backup singers, Christy Delaney, Cindy Skaurud, Michelle Marks & Sonja Poer, extended family, colleagues & countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joannie & her husband Terry.

If you were fortunate enough to know James, you were very fortunate indeed. Although he would describe himself as an introvert, he made friends wherever he went. He left an indelible impression and his love, sense of humor & unforgettable hugs will be deeply missed.

Direct remembrances to Open Arms of Minnesota , or The Trevor Project

A Memorial service will be held at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley, MN on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:00am.

Inurnment will be at Holmesville Township Cemetery, Becker County, MN and at St. Mary's Town Cemetery in St. Mary's, West Virginia.