James F. Osborne

James F. Osborne, of Cranford, New Jersey and Palm Beach, Florida (formerly of Westfield, New Jersey), passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 18, 2022.

Jim, the oldest of six, was born to James and Florence Osborne on November 21, 1947, and raised in East Keansburg, NJ. He graduated from Mater Dei Prep in 1965, and attended the University of Tampa where he was a member of the football team and Tau Kappa Epsilon.  Jim spent his entire career as an insurance broker and consultant working in New York City.

Jim was always happiest when he was spending time with his family. In his younger days, with his wife Linda by his side, Jim loved to spend time at their beach house in Brigantine, and enjoyed family vacations. When his children were younger, Jim loved taking Jen on ski trips, going to NY Jets’ games with Laura, and attending the annual Army Navy game with Michael. Jim always loved being on the water, and spent much of his life boating. The stories of his various boating escapes are too numerous to list, but were sure to leave all in hysterical laughter.

Jim was a loyal and selfless friend to all who knew him. Upon retirement, he enjoyed socializing with friends and family at various events and dinners, and loved soaking in the water view with Linda from their Palm Beach home.  Jim’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved to spend his days in New Jersey cheering on Jack and Madison from the sidelines of their many sporting events. During the winter months he loved to spend his time in Florida doting on Ryan and Reagan. 

Jim put his family first at all times, and his memory will live on in their hearts forever.

Jim was the beloved husband of Linda Garcia Osborne for more than fifty years, loving father of Jen (Chris) Schwarzenbek, Laura (Tim) Fowler, and Michael Osborne.  He was also an amazing grandfather to 4 grandchildren, Jack, Madison, Ryan, and Reagan. In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived by his sisters Kathy Ebner and Mary (Lou) Osborne Marrero, and his brothers William (Donna) Osborne and John (Janet) Osborne, along with 13 nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Community Food Bank of New Jersey at https://cfbnj.org/

To send flowers to the family, please visit Rekemeier’s Flowers & Gifts at https://www.rekemeiersflowers.com/

Services

VISITATION

Wednesday

December 21, 2022

4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home

582 Springfield Ave.

Westfield, NJ 07090

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Thursday
December 22, 2022

10:00 AM

St. Helen Roman Catholic Church

1600 Rahway Avenue

Westfield, NJ 07090

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James F. Osborne, please visit our Tree Store.