Col. Jack R. Olsen, USAF

Col. Jack Raymond Olsen, USAF (Ret.) 91, of Venice, FL passed away June 9, 2015. Col. Olsen, as he was known by many, was born to Elmer and Florence (Gulbrandsen) Olsen in Oak Park, IL. He attended the University of Illinois and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II. He was a POW in Germany for 9 months. He escaped captivity and was rescued by the British. He returned to the U.S. and, after recovery, joined the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC for a short time before going back to the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1950 with his degree in aviation science and journalism. When the Korean War started Jack volunteered to go back into the new U.S. Air Force. His service encompassed WW II, the Korean War, and the Southeast Asia Conflict. He served in the Air Force Research and Development Command and Strategic Air Command, and had special duty with the Joint U.S. Military Group in Madrid, Spain. After returning to the U.S. and duty in Omaha, NE for 3 years, he was called for another special duty in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force in the Pentagon. His work there was in communications and public affairs. He was then tapped to go to Southeast Asia (Thailand) for part of the Air Offensive over North Vietnam in a support capacity. His tour of duty in Thailand was shortened and he was requested for duty in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Public Affairs Department. He remained in that position for nearly 5 years before he retired in 1972. After retirement he moved to Clearwater, FL and was employed as a corporate officer for the newly organized Sun Banks of Florida. After 13 years he moved to a new position with the State of Florida Department of Commerce as Manager of Economic Development in Fort Myers, FL for 5 years. He was privileged to address military and civilian groups on military affairs, especially college-level Air Force ROTC units in Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. He became a volunteer to assist in fundraising for the construction of the WW II Memorial in Washington, DC. Jack was an avid sports enthusiast, participating in several different sports throughout his life. Preceded in death by his parents, Col. Olsen is survived by Shirley, his wife of 27 years, son Gregory R (Sue) Olsen of Clearwater, FL, daughter Linda (James) Welch of Sarasota, 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his second family by marriage including his stepson Tim (Patty) Pope of Venice, FL, stepdaughter April Farren of Hurricane, WV, 4 step grandchildren, and 2 step great grandchildren. Jack's life will be celebrated at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He will be laid to rest at a later date with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 513 Riviera Street, Venice, FL, 34285. To send condolences please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Service Information Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Time: 3:00 pm St. Mark's Episcopal Church Address: 508 Riviera Street, , Venice, FL, 34285 941-488-7714 | Map Cemetery Information Arlington National Cemetery Address: , , Arlington, VA, | Map