James M. Osborne, Jr, who passed away on Saturday, September 6, was probably never called Mr Newtown even once during his 55 years as a resident of Sandy Hook. But why would he be, for he was always just Jim to his many close friends and all who knew
James M. Osborne, Jr, who passed away on Saturday, September 6, was probably never called Mr Newtown even once during his 55 years as a resident of Sandy Hook. But why would he be, for he was always just Jim to his many close friends and all who knew him. However, if that title were to have ever been bestowed on a Newtown resident, Jim would have worn it well and deservedly, yet modestly.
Jim Osborne was, first and foremost, a friend. Few, if anyone, walked away after meeting him without feeling as if they had just made a new friend. He was that kind of person, a warm handshake or pat on the back, always smiling and with a contagious, upbeat outlook on life in general.
He was that special person, âa real class guyâ as Julia Wasserman said earlier this week. Educated at Dartmouth and with an outstanding military record, Jim married and began life at Appleberry Farm in 1948. While successfully running two businesses and raising a family, he poured endless hours and energy into the community. One organization after another benefited from his attention and guidance, including Boy Scouts, Little League and the Rotary Club where he was a member for more than 50 years and received two Paul Harris Fellowship Awards, the highest honor given by the club.
As a member of the building committee, he advised the town during the construction of the Sandy Hook Elementary School, aided the Board of Education as its treasurer, and served as chairman of the board of The Newtown Savings Bank. In more recent times, he was instrumental in the formation of the establishment of the Heritage Preservation Trust to save the Newtown Meeting House.
Such a list of accomplishments is more than commendable, but insignificant to the impact Jim had on his friends and his large family. Jimâs influence and guidance worked its way into the lives of many who did not even know him, but who benefited from his drive to help others.
For his family, Jim was the undisputed leader, looked up to and loved, and fondly known also as Admiral, UJ, and Silver among other handles. His life was a busy one, but never so much that he did not have time to enjoy and be with his wife, children, grandchildren, and the four-legged family that populated Appleberry Farm.
Jim Osborne represented all the fine things about our community and he truly was our Mr Newtown.