James Allen Osborne

James Allen Osborne also known as “Bama”, age 69, of Osawatomie, Kansas, died Sunday, February 12, 2012 at his residence.

James was born July 13, 1942 in Attalla, Alabama to James H. and Emma Ree (Sewell) Osborne. He was the eldest of two children.
James was married on August 27, 1961 in Topeka, Kansas to Karen Rae Ward. They became the parents of four children. In 1971 the marriage ended in divorce. On October 27, 1972 James married Lynita Ree Lawhorn in Topeka, Kansas. They became the parents of two daughters.

James entered the United States Air Force on Sept.2,1959 in Atlanta, Ga. He Served 3 years 2 months and was dicharged Nov.1,1962 at Forbes AFB Topeka, Ks. as Airman first class.

James began work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1973 as a Brakeman and later became Conductor. He retired in 2003 as a conductor from the Union Pacific Railroad. As apart of the Union Pacific Railroad’s “Operation Lifesaver” program he would go to schools to talk about railroad safety at crossings, bridges and tracks. He also was apart of the “Peer Support” program for the Union Pacific Railroad. When there was a mishap on the railroad he would assist those that were involved in obtaining information, support and counseling if needed. James also was a volunteer for the “Watch Dog” program for the Osawatomie Schools, where he was known as "Paw Paw". He was a Wal-Mart Greeter at the Paola store.


He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Ray Osborne and one daughter, Jennifer Renee Osborne.

He is survived by his wife of the home; four daughters, Heather Osborne and Tessa Osborne both of Osawatomie, Ks., Adana Fishback and husband Tony of Madison, Virginia and Angela Osborne of Texas; step son, Leo Irey and wife, Lin of Baldwin City, Ks.; one brother, Johnny Osborne and wife Marilyn of Gadsden Al.; ten grandchildren, Briley Beets, Hagan Page and Aysa Kritser all of Osawatomie, Ks., Jenna and Jaden Irey of Baldwin City, Ks., James Wormington and wife, Deidre of Nixa, Mo., Brandi Scroggins and husband, Joe of Brookline, Mo., Andrew White of Madison, Va., Jennifer and Kayla Newman of Texas; Four great Grandchildren and many other family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie, Kansas. Visitation will follow after the funeral until 1pm. Burial will be at later date in the Osawatomie Cemetery, Osawatomie, Kansas.

Memorials are to Olathe Hospice House and Miami County Cancer Foundation.

Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home (913) 755-2114 www.eddybirchard.com