James Duane “Jim” Osburn was born February 26, 1933, in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of Paul Lawrence and Ethel Viola (Jackson) Osburn. He grew up in Kadoka until the age of 10 when the family moved to Philip. Jim graduated from Philip High School in 1951. He then graduated from University of South Dakota in 1955. Jim enlisted in the United States Army as an officer at Ft. Hood, Texas from 1956 to 1957. He then entered the Army National Guard and retired with the rank of Colonel from the National Guard in the mid 80's after over 30 years of service. In 1957, he then returned to USD and earned a Masters Degree in History.

In 1960, James was united in marriage to Barbara “Bobby” Burns in Rapid City. They made their home in Vermillion until he graduated, and then moved to Rapid City, where he was a history teacher at Rapid City Central for several years. He then moved into administration, and eventually retired as Director of Personnel for Rapid City School District.

Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Marie Welfl on his birthday in 1997, and that way if he forgot his anniversary Pat would not feel obligated to do anything for his birthday. They made their home in Rapid City. They made their home in Rapid City throughout their married life.

Jim was a member of the Morning Optimists, the Rock Club, and the Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. He also looked forward to meeting up each morning with his buddies at the coffee club.

Jim was a rock hound, and a baseball enthusiast, especially the Detroit Tigers, as he tried out with the Tigers as a left-handed pitcher in his youth. He was an avid reader, interested in family history and genealogy, and very intrigued in all facets of the Civil War and WWII.

Survivors include his wife Patricia of Rapid City; two sons John Osburn and his wife Carolina of Black Hawk, and Douglas Osburn and his wife Krista of Rapid City; two step-sons Carter Francis, Jr. of Rapid City, and Joe Francis and his wife Jennifer of Portland, Oregon; two grandsons Eddie Woods of Jacksonville, Florida; and Shannon Taylor and his wife Alyssia of Lakeland, Georgia; a great-granddaughter Lylah; a great-grandson Leo; and a host of other relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Lary; a daughter Christy Osburn; and a son William Osburn.

Memorial visitation will be held 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Military graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at Masonic Cemetery in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Rapid City Boys Club.