Oliver W. Erickson
Oliver “Ollie” Wayne Erickson was born in May 1937 to Virginia Mae Erickson and Oliver A. Erickson in Jamestown, NY and died peacefully on Nov.24, 2025. His early years were spent growing up in Fluvanna and Portville before settling on Crossman St., in Jamestown. He graduated from Jamestown High School and attended Thiel College before graduating from Kent State University. Soon afterwards he married Barbara, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for over 61 years.
Barb and Ollie formed a strong partnership that resonated throughout their lives together. Their bond was evident in every stage of their journey, from relocating to new cities and supporting one another through career changes, to raising their sons, Andrew and Raymond. No matter where they lived, their partnership was a foundation for building lasting friendships and maintaining meaningful connections. Together, Barb and Ollie embraced each move, navigated life’s transitions, and created a warm and welcoming home for their family and friends.
Ollie started his career in sales at Marlin Rockwell Corp. He and Barb relocated to Michigan where their first son, Andrew, was born. They later moved to the Baltimore area where their second son, Raymond, was born. The family moved to Philadelphia before returning to Jamestown. After the boys graduated from JHS, Barb and Ollie moved back to the Philadelphia area. In every city where they settled, Ollie and Barb made life-long friends whom they kept in touch with and visited through the years. However, they both felt a lifelong affinity to the Jamestown area and returned after retiring from the bearing business in 2000.
Ollie believed in giving back to the places he lived and was always involved in his community. He was a long time Rotarian and firmly believed in their mission. He initiated an annual gathering of his high school fraternity Chi Sigma Chi to bring folks back together on Chautauqua Lake to celebrate and renew their friendship. He loved his bridge group, enjoyed golfing, Norden Club, volunteered with the Red Cross, and donated to countless charities. He and Barb attended First Presbyterian Church.
Oliver is survived by Barbara; his sister, Pennifer Erickson (Jeffery Scott, deceased); his sons Andy (Maribeth), and Ray; and his beloved grandchildren Michael, Onnolee, Olivia, August, and Ingmar, of whom he was infinitely proud.
Funeral services will be at Lind Funeral Home in Jamestown on Friday, Dec. 5 with a gathering from 2-4 pm and a memorial service at 4 pm.
Donations in remembrance of Oliver should be made to the Chi Sigma Chi Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to support the Jamestown Boys and Girls Club.
His family wishes to thank the friends who have supported him and his family through the years. To share condolences, please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.