John James Osborn, known to all as J.J., of St. Clair, MO, departed this life in Creve Coeur, MO, on April 15, 2017, having reached the age of sixty-nine years, two months and twenty days. J.J. was born in Washington, MO, on January 22, 1948, son of Alfred Bryan Osborn, Sr. and Matilda Francis Osborn nee King, known to all as Mattie. On November 11, 1966, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, and they were blessed to have two children.
J.J. is survived by his wife, Barbara Osborn of St. Clair, MO; by one son, Andy Osborn and Angie, of Sullivan, MO; by one daughter, Becky Pruitt and husband, Eddie, of St. Clair; by six grandchildren, Paige Pruitt and companion, Dillon Peterson, Whitney Kordahl and husband, Joe, and Kennady Pruitt all of St. Clair, Drew and Dawson Osborn of Sullivan and Zachary King of Charleston, WV; by two great-grandchildren, Aurora Kordahl of St. Clair and Jacob King of Charleston; by one sister, Pat Beardon of St. Clair; by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Osborn of St. Clair; by many nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
J.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred, Sr. and Mattie Osborn; by two brothers, Dennis Osborn and Alfred B. Osborn, Jr., known to all as Bud; and by one sister, Eileen Rulo Pruitt.
J.J. was a Christian and long time active member of True Vine Baptist Church in Sullivan, MO. He enjoyed singing bass in the Higher Ground Church Trio. During his working years, he was employed by Chrysler Daimler Corporation in Fenton, MO, as a forklift mechanic, retiring after thirty years. He was a strong emphatic supporting member and retiree of the United Auto Workers, Locals 110 and 136 of Fenton, MO; so much so that foreign made cars were never allowed in his driveway. J.J. was an outdoorsman at heart, an extreme enthusiasts of hunting and fishing. One of his favorite pastimes was teaching and coaching the children on little league baseball and football teams. After he retired, he enjoyed working on old Ford 8N and 9N tractors, restoring and selling them. He also liked restoring old cars. Fond memories were made on the outings with the kids, looking for arrowheads and other artifacts. J.J. also had a great time panning for gold and traveling with Barbara and taking the family on camping trips. In recent years, he had become the “King of the Remote”. Above all else, he was a family man and nothing was more important and made him happier than the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with the Rev. Stanley Briggs officiating. Interment was in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union, MO. Memorials may be made to the Indian Prairie Cemetery, St. Clair, MO.