Biography: James Augustus Osborne, 90, died peacefully at home in Hot Springs on May 22, 2024.
Jim was born August 3, 1933, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to James Robert and Nan Lipscomb Osborne. He attended Little Rock High School, now Little Rock Central High, and University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he earned a degree in engineering and was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After graduation he worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad. On January 12, 1963, he married Betty Hutt Osborne, and they raised two daughters. Jim was the founder and owner of Central Structures Company, where he completed hundreds of commercial buildings and was known for his concrete tilt wall construction. He received awards from Delta Steel Buildings as one of their top builders. The family loved to spend time at the lake in Hot Springs, and Jim was known for his love of telling stories.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Betty, and his niece Jamie Calhoun. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of ten years Linda Payne Osborne, his daughters Elizabeth Connery (Michael) and Martha Alexander (Michael), grandchildren Kathleen (Zach), Emily, Ella Grace, Rose, and Ellis, sister Ruby Bush (Mike), nephews Chris and David, nieces Lisa, Susan, and Laura, and beloved lifelong friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, with a reception to follow. There will be a private family committal in the columbarium preceding the service. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St. Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, the Humane Society of Pulaski County, or Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com