James J. Osborne, Jr. `

James Joseph Osborne, Jr. Born on October 29, 1938 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Mary and James Joseph Osborne, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 57 years and best friend Sally (nee Campbell) Osborne. He is survived by his children, James III, Gregory (Randi) and Mollie; five grandchildren, Brendan, Campbell "Cami", Gregory, Shane and Samantha and his brothers, John, Joseph, and Michael as well as his brother-in-law and friend, Donald Campbell (Fran). He is also survived by many amazing nieces and nephews. Jim had a number of wonderful friends and colleagues, he truly enjoyed people. He leaves behind a long list of achievements. Most notably were his faith in God and dedication to family. Jim grew up in W. Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. He attended Saint Athanasius elementary school. He then attended La Salle College High School to continue Academics and athletics. At LaSalle, he played for a legendary team who was undefeated and allowed no points scored for his four seasons playing football at LaSalle. In his senior year, on a cold day in December 1955, LaSalle was noted as a major underdog in the city championship at Franklin Field. The final score was La Salle 26 - Northeast 0. Following the game, Jim was selected by sports writers and coaches All - Catholic and All- City recognition in the Philadelphia inquirer and Evening Bulletin. Jim and his team were recently inducted into the LaSalle College High School Hall of Fame. After graduation he proudly accepted an athletic scholarship to play football at Villanova. During his senior year, Jim received invitations from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and New York Titans. At a time, however, his focus was elsewhere. His focus was on the love of his life, Sally. Prior to getting engaged, he was proud to serve in the US Army with the 224th Engineer Battalion. After graduating from Villanova and completing military obligations, Jim became an executive in the food service industry where he received numerous accolades and awards. One of those awards was a lifetime achievement award in collaboration with Emeril Lagasse at the annual Restaurant and Food Service Association meeting in Chicago. After being involved with numerous mergers and acquisitions, Jim founded Williamson Hospitality which was sold in the mid-1990s and is still running today under a different brand. Jim never strayed too far away from football. He was an active official in the eastern collegiate athletic conference and PIAA for nearly 25 years. In 1976 he was selected to the NFL as an official, which began his career as a field judge. After working for over 10 years in every stadium across the country he decided to retire from the NFL to spend more time with his Sally and his growing family. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jim 's name to La Salle College High School Cheltenham Ave., Glenside Pennsylvania. Services and Interment Private. To share your fondest memories of Jim please visit www.lifecelebration.com Life Celebration services provided by John F. Givnish of Buckingham