James “Jim” W. Osby, 73, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, IL, while surrounded by an immense amount of love from family and friends. Jim was born December 13, 1949, in Valparaiso, IN to Earl and Jeanne (Metcalf) Osby. Jim graduated from Hebron High School and received his bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana State University. Upon finishing college, Jim became a dealer representative for Kinetico Water Systems. He was responsible for the successful set-up and growth of nearly every Kinetico dealership in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Jim was a licensed union plumber (Plumbers Local 210) and helped his father build the family business, Osby Water Conditioning, the second oldest Kinetico dealership in the United States. He loved his work and even as the co-owner and President, folks looking for Jim knew he probably wasn’t at the office. He could most often be found in crawl spaces and basements – installing a family’s water softener, delivering salt, or finishing daily service calls.
Jim was a member of the NWI Bass Club and the Hebron Masonic Lodge 502. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed car racing, road trips, and spending time with his family and dogs. Jim was a talented photographer and an avid card player – known by his friends as “The Euchre King.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Gladys Osby of Valparaiso, IN; three daughters: Adriane (Garth) Steinheimer of Los Angeles, CA, Katherine Osby of Valparaiso, IN, and Lori (Larry) Wynn of Summerville, SC; his stepson, Anthony (Yesenia) Buonomo of Valparaiso, IN; siblings: David Osby and Susan Brychell; several grandchildren and extended family members including: TJ, Austin, Sebastian, Jeffrey, and Suzanne. Jim adored his three beloved dogs, Anza, Bella, and Lola, who were always by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. We encourage all who knew Jim to attend his visitation.
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My sincere condolences. May he rest in peace. -Judy Ryder
Rest In Peace my Love. You’ll be with me for eternity. I love you, -Gladys Osby
