Jim Olsen RIP

17th. May 2024: Unfortunately, I write to tell you that Jim Olsen passed away suddenly overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

He was taken ill earlier on holiday with Julia in Tenerife, cancer was discovered and he was flown home to Salisbury District Hospital where he sadly died a few days later. A real shock for his family and everyone at our club.

Rugby is a team game, on and off the field, but Jim stood out with his energy, commitment and passion in whatever role he filled at SRFC. He was made an Honorary Life Vice President of the club in recognition of this, a reward received by very few members.

Jim first arrived at Salisbury Rugby Club in 1978 when he took his son Marcus down to join the Mini Section. He became Team Manager throughout his time in the Minis and the Under 8s (coached by John Labbett) had a lot of early success, a team that included Marcus, Richard Hill and Dave Griffiths. Jim stayed with this very successful year group through the Minis, Juniors and Colts. 

He organised Junior Rugby tours to Venice and to Saintes and was involved in raising money for the club, for example by running the Junior Discos. 

Jim ran the Colts section in the club for a number of years and was always proud to see so many Ex-Colts go on to represent the club. He was a member of the committee for a long time and was on the Board of Directors from 2005 - 2011.

Jim also ran the Christmas Draw for many years and helped, and was still helping, to sort out the archives in the club. He also personally printed and named all of the team photographs that are in the Lounge Bar at the club and wrote the History piece about the club that is in the Match Day programme.

Jim was ever present at our VPs' lunches and he will be sorely missed as a member of 'The Grumpy Old Men's Club' that drinks every Thursday night in the club. We shall all miss him.

Jim dedicated over 45 years of his life to Salisbury Rugby Club and now our thoughts are with Julia, Marcus and Emma, his four Grandchildren, and the rest of his family. 

Jim's funeral will be held on Wednesday 5th June at 1pm at Salisbury Crematorium, followed by a wake at Salisbury Rugby Club and a few pints of Crop Circle!

Best wishes,

Richard Larcombe, President, Salisbury RFC