Jared Lief Olsen

Jared Lief Olsen, 40, of Chester, VA, passed away on March 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Richmond, VA on June 30, 1984, Jared was a 2003 graduate of Thomas Dale High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia State University in 2008. Upon graduating, Jared was hired by the Chesterfield County Juvenile Detention home, where he worked as a Youth Counselor and most recently as a Home Incarceration Officer. Jared enjoyed his job and was respected by both staff and youth alike.

From a young age, Jared was passionate about the game of baseball. He was a pitcher throughout his high school and college careers and was a member of the 2007 and 2008 CIAA Championship winning teams at VSU. In addition to his school teams, he also played for American Legion Post 284 and the DC Giants out of Dinwiddie County.

Jared was known as a great storyteller and just an all-around nice guy. When not working, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, playing a good game of poker, relaxing down at Lake Gaston, and cheering on his two favorite teams, the Washington Nationals and Washington Commanders.

Jared was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lief and Stirling Olsen and Ernest and Dorothy Hogan; father-in-law, Keith Harper; and beloved dog and best buddy, Cash. He is survived by his loving wife of seven years, Sara Harper Olsen and their beloved dog, June; his parents, Robert and Stella Olsen; brother, Jason Olsen; mother-in-law, Jeanne Harper; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many cherished friends and co-workers.

A Celebration of Life to celebrate Jared’s life will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Kings Korner  in the Banquet room, 7511 Airfield Drive, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23237. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jared’s name to the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter. Instructions on how to make a donation can be found on this website: https://www.chesterfield.gov/439/Animal-Services.