James Robert Olson, Jr. (Rob), age 58, passed away August 2, 2026, at Advent Redmond Hospital in Rome, Georgia. He was supported and surrounded by friends and family. Rob is survived by his daughters, Hannah Elise and Madeleine Elizabeth Olson, his wife, Elizabeth Heidbreder-Olson (Liz), his sisters, Heidi K. Olson and Gretchen Olson Montgomery, his brother Erik Olson, his wife, Katie Olson, and many nieces and nephews. Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Olson and Beckie Fetters Olson.

Rob was born in the Philippines on Clark Air Force Base, September 2, 1967, on his mother’s birthday. He grew up in the Richmond California bay area and moved to Kentucky in 1979. Rob ‘s father, Jim, was a Forestry professor at the University of Kentucky and his mother, Beckie, was a professional quilter who wrote books and taught quilting in the states and abroad. His parents made a valiant effort at homesteading in Wilmore, Kentucky before moving to Lexington. As the eldest, Rob had many responsibilities on the farm that included feeding the chickens and milking the family cow, Daisy. He also helped his mother and her friends with all things quilting for many years. Rob and Liz met through mutual friends in Lexington in 1989. They welcomed their first daughter, Hannah, in 1991. The family moved to Rome, Georgia in 1999 and welcomed their second daughter Madeleine in 2002. Rob was a devoted and caring father to his girls and a father-figure and mentor to many young people throughout his life.

Rob was loyal, kind and generous, often to a fault. He cherished family, friends and strangers alike. He was an excellent cook and fed many people at his table. He was known to be well-read, well-traveled and well-informed on the world around him. His intellect and sense of humor were unrivaled. He was always up for a good joke, a sharp quip, and a lively debate or conversation. He entertained people and made friends everywhere he went. To say he was a memorable character is an understatement.

Rob was an ambassador of music. He started the first hip-hop radio show, The Fresh Test, in the mid-80s in Lexington, Kentucky on WRFL. He played bass guitar in several bands around Lexington and gave many young people their start behind the microphone. From a young age though, his first and greatest musical love was Reggae. Over the years he traveled Jamaica extensively where he formed many lasting friendships and family bonds. He provided the opportunity for his family and friends in the states to be a part of a culture that extended far beyond the beautiful beaches, up into the mountains. Rob began spinning tunes early on in both countries and founded Devastation International sound system, which continues to play in Jamaica with the new generation of selectors at the helm.

There will be no funeral service, as per Rob’s request. Celebrations of his life will be planned in Rome, back home in Kentucky and Jamaica, and in Utah. Rob touched so many lives across this country and around the world. In honor of his good and generous heart, the family asks that you donate to your local food pantry regularly, listen to some reggae music and spread love, respect, and good vibes to all peoples near and far. -NSTG