Jim born July 16, 1951 in Oak Park, IL passed away suddenly at home from natural causes on October 22, 2020 at the age of 69.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda Whitby Osborn, sons Morgan Osborn and Jackson Osborn. His father Victor Osborn, and sisters and bothers Patricia (Thomas); Michael (Jane); Vicky (Bill); Dan; Mary (Dave), Matt (Becky); and fourteen nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was proceeded in death by his mother Joan Kerwin Osborn and sister Catherine Waddle and her husband John.

Jim's family was a big part of his life. He loved sports and was a life long golfer. He marched with the drum and bugle corp. during his youth. He was a very gifted actor working throughout the Chicago area to name a few the Franklin Park Players, Oak Park Players, Second City, Steppenwolfe and The Goodman. He loved the white Sox's and even posted a blog and went to their spring training. His career was in wine and beverage sales and also in management. To highlight a few moments, he managed and opened the bar and lounge in Spiaggia on the Million Dollar Mile. Opened, managed and set up concessions and beverages for Stadium Club at the new Comiskey Park.

A memorial mass was held at Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church with only the immediate family in attendance following restrictions in place due to COVID-19. A larger gathering to follow when permitted. Cremation was handled by Hursen Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Osborn

15 Entries

Nancy Galles

July 22, 2024

I knew Jim, Michael and Vicky from grade school and marching in the drum and bugle corps days. So sad to hear that Jim has passed. May his memory be a blessing.

Gregory Turza

January 11, 2021

I worked with Jim over the years and I am saddened by his death. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Kurt Kuras

November 4, 2020

My Deepest condloenses to James ' Family . I met Jim at our first Job. The U S Post Office in Franklin Park. I enjoyed all the time I spent with Jim. He taught me so many things about Music, Theater, People and Life in general. Rest in Peace My Friend

Robin Shelnutt

November 3, 2020

So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My prayers are with all the family.

Bill Gibbons

November 3, 2020

I became friends with Jimmy through our mutual love for the White Sox on a Sox blog and later at games, spring training and lunches. He was incredibly knowledgeable, but respectful of those with less knowledge. In my experience, he was smart, kind and funny. I will miss him, but undoubtedly not as much as his family will. My heartfelt condolences go out to each of them. Rest in peace, Jimmy.

Laura Jansen

November 2, 2020

I knew Jimmy "online" as a fellow White Sox fan and met him in person once. If our conversations that day were any indication, he was a kind, generous, man who will be sorely missed by his friends and family. My heart goes out to those who loved him.

Ken Neadly

November 2, 2020

Great sox fan. I used to love getting into discussions with him. Some we agreed on- most we did not. But it was always fun. Enjoyed the times we got to watch a game together. My best to his family in this tough time. RIP buddy.

Jean Graudin

November 1, 2020

I met Jimmy at Triton College way back in 1969 or 1970. He would give me a ride home and since the radio didn't work in his car, he would sing. When I'd hit a "different" station, he would immediately start singing a different song. Jimmy is the one who introduced me to my husband. I have a great many memories with him. He was a dear friend and I am sorry and shocked by his passing.

larry

November 1, 2020

I met him through the White Sox blog, South Side Sox 10+ years ago. Enjoyed speaking with him, both in-person and online, on the White Sox as well as innumerable other topics. Always friendly, very knowledgeable, the type of guy to bring people together. Sad to see him go. - larry

Jeff Young

October 31, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were friends in grade school and always considered him a good friend. I will miss seeing him at our grade school reunions and his good stories.

Lowell Thorne-Wagner

October 30, 2020

Jim was a great friend, a talented actor and director and someone who actually listened when you had an idea. He would think nothing of going back and forth with you (which we did at the old Village Players theater) arguing his point - but validating your input also. He enjoyed a party, his friends, and he loved talent and art. I still remember him in his postman's uniform the first time he came into the Village Players back in the middle 70's. I will always think of you, and how you helped me out with one of my plays ( I know you didn't necessarily want to do a children's theater production - but I did have a few of your friends in it also) and stepped up to be my knight in shinning armour. So much love sent to your family - I know that you will be with us all always.
Lowell Thorne-Wagner

Mary Ondeck

October 30, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Jim on numerous productions at the Village Players Theater in Oak Park. Jim was a gifted actor. He loved performing and was a joy to watch. He will be greatly missed.

Jovey Martir

Planted Trees

Jovey

October 30, 2020

I was a foreign exchange student with a wonderful host family, the Osborn's in Franklin Park, Ill, 1978. I met Jim through various family gatherings. A large family of proud parents and always a very happy Catholic family. Jim was a handsome, life of the family, energetic, and always made everyone smile; so kind. Mom Joan lit up at each of his antics and jokes. I saw him as I did Matt, they were so very similar. Someone you wanted to be with if you needed a smile. RIP, Jim.

Gary & Donna Broz

October 29, 2020

The memories dearest to us had to do with theater and times at the Osborn homestead. It was through Franklin Park Players that Jim introduced the two of us, encouraging Gary to go to the tryouts. He and I read against each other, although neither of us got a part in Antigone. After weeks of rehearsals, we shared the stage with Jim in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Jim as a marvelous Oscar, Gary as Roy (one of the card players), and yours truly as one of the Pigeon sisters. I played exactly one game of volleyball with the Osborn family and friends at Hillside, but felt their intense skill levels were better enjoyed from the sidelines! Jim will always hold a special place in my heart and I hold all of his family in The Light at this sad loss.

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