James Richard Olli

James Richard Olli completed his journey here on earth and went home to Heaven on August 28th, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Born on December 3rd, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Jim was the third child of Toivo and Alice (Peterson) Olli. Jim grew up in Livonia, MI where he shared many memories with his siblings, Sandra, Dave, and Janice. His most fond childhood memories were of trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his family. Jim would tell the story the same each time… heading straight up north to the U.P. on their dad’s vacation with Jani watching out the back window for cop cars, only stopping for lunch to have their mom’s pasties at a roadside table, no other breaks allowed during their 10+ hour drive to stay at grandma and grandpa Peterson’s in Calumet. He admired his older brother Dave, sharing a room and many memories playing baseball and golf over the years. When his father died young, it left him at home with his mom and baby sister Jani, who he shared a special bond with him throughout his life. He shared his love for 70’s Rock & Roll music with her, leading to concerts together in later years, the most memorable being The Rolling Stones, his all-time favorite band, in East Lansing with sister Sandi, spouses, and Marne. Jan and her husband Scotty fondly remember picking up Jim and Marne from the airport in a limo after they got married in Lake Tahoe, to go to the Silverdome to watch the Lions. Their many Lions games together provided them many happy and sometimes hilarious memories as the four of them together never allowed for a dull moment. His humor was constant, his witt deep, (even in the hospital) and his many “Jimisms” would provide everyone who got them a hearty laugh and happy giggle.

His love for the game of golf was influential in his young life, which lead him to working on a golf course for nearly fifty years and becoming a golf course superintendent with certifications from Michigan State University and Ohio State University. He passionately transformed many golf courses over his career, most proud of fulfilling his dream to “grow in” a golf course, The Loon, which brought him back to Gaylord in 1994 where Marne and Jim began building their life together. He spent the last 20 years of his career at The Michaywe Pines. His hard work, attention to detail, and methodical approach made him well known for his fast greens and pristinely manicured courses. All his daughters fondly remember early mornings on the golf course cutting cups with their dad, his favorite part of the job. He has always been known as a leader in his profession and served on numerous boards helping to shape the industry for future superintendents.

Besides his love of golf, he spent his free time pursuing many other interests, running in younger years, cycling, mountain biking but was most passionate about cross country skiing. He rode and skied in many races and tours throughout his life and spent much of his free time preparing for these endurance events. He also was a diehard sports fan, often watching the Detroit Lions, Premier League soccer (a Liverpool fan), Michigan State basketball, and most recently developed enjoyment in following the Tigers with his grandchildren.

Jim and his wife, Marne, shared nearly 30 beautiful years of marriage. Following their wedding in Lake Tahoe, Jim and Marne shared many adventures and activities over the years, golfing, biking, hiking, alpine, cross country, and water skiing. They shared a love of the UP and traveled to the Keweenaw every chance they had. So many things in common provided them with a base for what was the most amazing life together, both appreciating how full their world was with each other in it. Most of all, they cherished their time on their little slice of heaven on Opal Lake where they built their family. Rarely could you ever find the two of them apart, as they truly went through their lives as a team and each other’s best friend.

Jim adored his four daughters, Jessica, Susan, Stefanie, and Reagan. He was proud of each of them for their own unique qualities. A quality they all shared was the adoration of their loving, patient, loyal dad. His love for them was abounding and apparent. He shared a special connection with each of his daughters, and it was obvious to anyone who knew him they were his joy and his everything. His girls have many special memories with their dad, sharing road trips and family reunions, his taste in music and comedy, eating pasties and the meat he smoked, going for sunset cruises on Opal Lake and playing cards. Most of all, they loved the way he gave the best hugs.

Jim’s youngest daughter Reagan kept him busy during the last 20 years. He loved to watch her play soccer and took on any task related to helping her succeed, even learning to serve shots at her while she practiced goalkeeping. In her skiing career, he served as her ski technician and Sherpa, helping her tune and haul equipment to far away races. His passion for tuning skis didn’t stop at just Reagan’s skis, but he also helped friends by tuning their skis for state championships or offering his advice on what the fastest wax was for the upcoming event. Jim never missed a chance to watch Reagan play or race. When her ski career took her to racing for Northern Michigan University, he took on the challenge of tuning and spectating for races across the country.

Any time he could spend with his family was valuable to him. He loved to go to the Keweenaw, his happy place, whether with his girls, for Peterson family reunions, or to explore, bike, or ski in the divine beauty of God’s country. He loved to spend time with his daughters and grandchildren, especially when they came to visit at the lake, sharing many happy days on the boat laughing, swimming, and teaching grandchildren to drive the pontoon. He’d spend the whole afternoon playing cornhole and games, watching sports and movies, and enjoying treats with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching and keeping up with all of their sporting events. His grandson, Mason, even interviewed him on his Finnish heritage, something he was proud to share. His love for his family was apparent to anyone who met him. This love was returned as he had constant companionship and visitors during his stay in the hospital at U of M.

Jim always had a big, warm smile to share, a contagious laugh, and a hug that could make any day brighter. His soul was filled so full of genuine kindness and authenticity. He valued love, faith, joy, peace, patience, and had a way of making anyone feel at home around him. His final year was characterized by unbelievable strength, willfulness, perseverance, and stubbornness as he fought to overcome his failing heart.

He is loved and will be remembered by his wife and best friend, Marne Olli; his daughter Jessica Olli; his daughter Susan Torley, his son in law Chad Torley, and his grandchildren, Reese, Evan, Mason, and Nolan; his daughter Stefanie Bermingham, his son in law Al Bermingham, and his grandchildren, Madison, Ethan, Emilie, Levi, and Cameron; his daughter Reagan Olli and Connor Abraham; his pups Brewer and Finlii Olli; his sister Janice and her family; his brother Dave Olli and his family; his sister Sandra’s family; his many cousins; and all of the friends he touched throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 6th at Gaylord Methodist Church where visitation will begin at 9:30 AM.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the website below.

Livestream Jim’s service: https://www.youtube.com/live/W1C63ic7yOo?si=DnU9FRB27qaZmcA9