James "Jim" Osborne

James “Jim” W. Osborne, 77, of Loraine, Illinois, formerly of Decatur, Illinois, passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born on September 1, 1948, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Virgil and Frances (Murbach) Osborne. On June 5, 1976, he married Janice Wiesner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, and she survives him after 49 years of marriage.

Jim graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1966. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Munition Weapons Specialist during the Vietnam War, including the TET Offensive, from 1967 to 1971. He also contributed his expertise to both Army and Navy Swift boat operations.

After returning home from his service in the United States Air Force, he began his career as an interchange clerk at the Wabash and Norfolk & Western Railroads, and he worked part-time at the United States Post Office in Decatur as a rural route carrier. Following 18 years with the Railroad, he retired to pursue a full-time position with the Post Office, where he dedicated 37 and a half years of service.

Jim was a dedicated member of Mt. Zion Odd Fellows Lodge #300 in Mt. Zion, Illinois for more than half a century, where he held the position of Past Noble Grand. He also was a member of the Stephen Decatur Lodge #979 A.F. & A.M., Masonic Lodge in Warrensburg, Illinois, and was recognized as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Throughout their lives, Jim and Janice raised their family and resided in Decatur. In 2013, they retired to the family farm near Loraine, Illinois, which has remained in the family for 151 years. He enjoyed his farm and regularly hunted deer there.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Camp Asten, in Hammond Hall, at the Illinois Veterans Home, for the exceptional assistance and support they have provided over the past two years.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; son, Kevin Osborne of Hartford, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Jaci Osborne of Decatur, Illinois; niece, Angela (Wes) Huang of Maryland; and his nephews, Duane Allen and Brian James of Decatur, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Osborne.

Funeral services honoring Jim’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the All Faiths Chapel within the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home, located at 1707 North 12th Street, Quincy, Illinois, with Pastor Dave Hall officiating. Interment will follow at the Sanderson Cemetery located on the family farm near Loraine, Illinois. Military Honors will be performed by the United States Air Force Funeral Detail and the Bear Creek American Legion Post #823.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois. An additional visitation will take place at the All Faiths Chapel within the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home, located at 1707 North 12th Street, Quincy, Illinois, on Monday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m., and will continue until the services begin at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home activities fund. You are invited to share your memories and condolences at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com