James H. Osborne

James Osborne, age 76 of Arbor Vitae, WI passed away peacefully on September 16, 2019 at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI.

Jim was born on February 11, 1943 in Rockford, IL to Sam and Katherine Osborne. He grew up in Rockford and graduated from Rockford West High School in 1961. He enjoyed being the quarterback for the football team and earned himself a scholarship to Dakota Wesleyan University, majoring in business. An injury changed his plans and he returned to Rockford and attended Rockford College at night while working on a meat cutter apprenticeship program during the day. When he became a journeyman meat cutter, he went to work in the grocery business as a meat cutter, meat department manager and store manager at various stores in Rockford.

Jim met and married his first wife Suzanne and they had three children. Jim’s parents had a summer home in Manitowish Waters and he spent as much time as possible at the lake. As a teenager he taught waterskiing lessons and in 1960 was instrumental in forming the Skiing Skeeters Ski Club. Their first show was on the 4th of July 1961. Jim always loved the Northwoods and in the seventies he moved his family Up North.

He went to work for Harry’s Supermarket in March of 1974 as the meat manager. He really enjoyed getting to know all their customers. He also started his own deer processing operation in his garage in Manitowish Waters. He was a member of the Manitowish Waters Lions Club for many years serving as president from 1996 to 1998 and was Lion of the year in 1995 to 1996.

Jim was a hard worker and a great husband. He lost his wife Sue in 1991 and remained single for thirteen years until he met and married his second wife Sharon on June 5, 2004. Jim stayed at the same store until he retired and then became a ranger at Trout Lake Golf course and later moved to the St. Germain Golf Club. Jim was an avid golfer and got his first hole in one at Trout Lake. He was also a great Packer, St. Louis Cardinal and Nascar fan. He also like to travel, read and working with mathematical figures. His favorite places were the Florida beaches.

Jim is survived by his wife Sharon of Arbor Vitae, her four children and his furry little girl, Tika. Also his daughter Cathy (David) Franck of Osseo, WI and his son Jimmy of Rhinelander, WI and by his sisters Sandra Milligan of Rockford, IL and Kathy (Jeff) Rice of Prior Lake, MN and by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Katherine, his first wife, Suzanne and their heart breaking loss of their 4 year old daughter Nancy Hope Osborne and by his brother Sam Osborne and sister Judy Osborne.

Memorial Gathering for Jim will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, WI from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a Memorial Service at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

The Osborne family would like to thank the entire staff at Seasons of Life Hospice House and the Nimsgern Funeral Home for everyone’s care and compassion.

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES OF WOODRUFF, WI IS SERVING THE FAMILY.