James attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and St. Thomas High School, graduating class of 1964. He attended Texas A&M and was in the Corps of Cadets.
After a year at A& M, James entered St. Mary's Seminary and University of St. Thomas, graduating in 1967. James was selected to attend the Pontificial College (North American College) in Rome, Italy, graduating in December 1970. James was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Galveston Houston and served the Diocese in many areas, touching lives and hearts of many for over 10 years. In 1981 James decided to pursue a career in real estate earning his real estate and broker's license. Eventually working for Circle K Corporation.
In 1982 James Married Donna Decuir in Louisiana. James and Donna moved to Livingston in 1993 purchasing a farm where they raised goats and a menagerie of animals. In 1995 James' employer relocated to Austin. James attended SFA University pursuing a masters in Bilingual Education. After recovering from an illness James was hired as the church secretary for St. Joseph Catholic Church and was appointed director of religious education for Children and adults. James served The Diocese of Beaumont for 18 years. James was involved in the Polk county community thru habitat for humanity, hospice volunteer, Mannafest, Knights of Columbus and was chosen senior citizen of the year for 2006 for Polk County. James was also a certified chaplain assistant for TDC and served the inmates at the Polunsky unit for several years. James continued to serve the Catholic community of St. Joseph until his retirement in 2014.
James was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hattie Olsovsky; sister, Marcelline Story, brother-in-law, Howard Story Jr.; and may other relatives, friends and pets.
James leaves to cherish his memory, love and Christ's teachings his best friend, wife, and supporter of 38 years, Donna Decuir Olsovsky RN; brother Reverend George Olsovsky Jr., Houston; nieces and nephews, Susan Story Davis, Howard and Kathy Story, Sharon and Patrick Jozwiak, Michael and Tammy Story, Jan and Richard Southerland, sister-in-law and special caregiver Catherine Diane Lange and friend Tony Montalvo, sister in law Wilma Jean Jenkins, and Elizabeth Lacombe, special nieces and nephews, Kim and James Williamson, Michael & Mandy Bott, Tina Bott, Sherry McMickin, special friends, Rev. Msgr Michael Servinsky, Doctor Andres Guerrero , Preston Peltier, Michael Terry, Georgia Charles, Melissa Aubert, family friend and caregiver. James had many other family and friends around the world, and special pet Cecil The Cat that James rescued and stayed by his side 24/7 thru his illness.
The family would like to express their heart felt thanks and appreciation for all those who did not abandon James during his long illness. Through calls, cards, prayers, and especially visits, and The staff of Harbor Hospice for their care of James, and his family. You will always remain in our prayers and thoughts. Asking you to remember James favorite saying "God Provides Always".
Donations may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Alzheimer's Association or SPCA.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM at Pace Funeral Home, 200 FM 350 North, Livingston, Texas 77351.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2590 Hwy 190 West, Livingston, Texas 77351 with Father Tarsisius Puling, SVD officiating.
Condolences(9)
Laura Luna
Houston, TX Saturday, June 25, 2022 Donna, I think of you and Jim and have nothing but fond and loving memories for both of you. You both guided me through a rough patch in my life that I will always be grateful. I have no doubt that he touched many lives in his continued ministry.Robert & Pat Beard
Livingston, TX Thursday, January 7, 2021 Donna our prayers to you and your family at your loss of your husband.God Bless You and Your Family
Robert & Pat Beard
Peg & George Huson
Luvingston, TX Thursday, January 7, 2021 His legacy lives on in the lives he touched at St Joseph Church. All the youth he educated and the parish life he fostered will forever be cherished. Our condolences to you Donna, and the family.Rev. George Olsovsky
Houston, TX Thursday, January 7, 2021 Marcelline Joyce and James Edward my brother and sister. Give my love to mother and dad too. I miss both of you very much, hoping to see you all very soon.Rev. Father George Olsovsky
Sherry Peterson Foster
150 Mile House, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 I will always remember working with James when I was organist at St. Joseph's. And God Provides!James & Kim Williamson
Marksville, LA Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Our sweet Uncle Jim. A version of Jesus on earth. Never a harsh word. Loved the Lord w all his heart. Always found good in everyone. The best person to ask for advice. We have loss a wonderful soul. May he Rest In Peace now.Doug Wallace
Onalaska, TX Wednesday, January 6, 2021 I cannot express fully what James meant to me personally. James was a beloved leader and a friend of both man and beast, but more important he was a friend of Christ, and he lived it, showed it, and taught it to all who would listen. To all he came in contact with, he was loving, tender, caring, and always giving. He was deeply loved, and will be sorely missed.Rudy Garza
Houston, TX Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Rest in peace, Jim. Class of 1962.Darrell Longino
Goodrich, TX Monday, January 4, 2021 to Donna and all of the family,We are saddened to hear of James passing.
We pray the lord will hold you in his grace during your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Darrell and Donna Longino