James Willis Osborne, 82, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 9:22 am, Thursday, October 15, 2026. James was born on November 13, 1943, in Paintsville, Kentucky, to Harold and Stella (Burks) Osborne.
James dedicated 40 years of service to Wabash Alloys before retiring. He was a proud US Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was known as a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. James deeply believed in recovery and dedicated 25 years to helping others through Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as a sponsor and leading meetings. He found peace in the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending auctions. He also had a passion for collecting antiques and an interest in cars, guns, and knives. Above all, James treasured his family. He loved being a dad and grandpa, and especially cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter, Sophia.
James is survived by two sons, Rick Osborne of Warsaw, Indiana and Jimmy Osborne, Jr. of Wabash; granddaughter, Sophia Osborne of Lagro, Indiana; stepdaughter, Kandi (Anthony) Cicatko of Wabash; two sisters, Barbara Taylor and Donita (Charles) LeMaster, both of Wabash; his companion, Nancy Hall of Wabash, and his best friend, Hugh “Singing Jim” Pennington of Lagro. James was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; Thomas Osborne, Willard Osborne, Robert Osborne, and Leroy Osborne, and three sisters; Judy Miller, Doris Donofrio, and Betty VanHoose.
Funeral services will be 4:00 pm, Friday, October 23, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Tim Webb officiating. Burial will be in Osborne Cemetery, Johnson County, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Southside Freewill Baptist Church.
The memorial guest book for James may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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