About

Jim is a Christian guitarist based in central Minnesota.  He has performed 1000’s of concerts across the USA, both as a solo artist and in group settings.  Jim started the music ministry in 1975 after attending Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He then traveled for a number of years with Kurt Johnson under the name “Johnson/Olsen,” performing in concerts and school assemblies and assisting in worship services.

Jim has been a solo artist since 1994.  For twelve years, he based his ministry out of Nashville, Tennessee, where he also joined with Don Wharton and Steve Sandfort as the trio “Wharton, Sandfort, & Olsen.”  This trio traveled on numerous tours and were especially well-received for their Christmas concerts.

Today Jim is still active in music ministry, but has also established himself as an instrumental guitarist at fine dining restaurants & resorts.  He is available for bookings at wedding and other corporate events.  This summer marks the release of his third instrumental album.  As a worship leader, Jim excels at leading others in song and story of how the Lord has led and taught lessons in life while on the road in His service.

Jim is also available for guitar lessons at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd.

You can also hear Jim lending his guitar in accompaniment for Brainerd area singer/songwriter Heather Ruesch.  Jim and Heather have been collaborating on several original titles such as “Sweet Mercy,” “I Believe in Him,” and “You Live in Me.”  To learn more about Jim and Heather’s work together, visit Heather’s website at www.heatherruesch.com.