James Ezra Osborn

James Ezra Osborn

James Ezra Osborn, 89, of Tuttle, Oklahoma passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was doing what he loved- driving a tractor on the family farm.

James was born west of Tuttle on November 9, 1936 to Ida (Kuhlman) and Roy Beil Osborn. Roy and Ida had three children, James, Janis, and Leon. From an early age, James developed the deep love of agriculture, learning, and hard work that would remain central to his life.

After graduating from Tuttle High School, James earned his Bachelor and Doctoral degrees in Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University. During the summers and school holidays he returned home to work on his family’s farm, and worked as a janitor during the school year to help with educational costs.

He and his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Hardesty, were married on January 2, 1956 at the old Methodist Church in Tuttle. Their marriage spanned more than seven decades and was built on partnership, family, faith, friendship and a shared commitment to their communities.

James began his career at North Carolina State teaching Agricultural Economics for one year, then Auburn University for one year before settling the family and beginning a span of thirteen years at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. James and Mary Ann enjoyed their time in Lubbock and made lifelong friends through the University and also Forrest Heights United Methodist Church. During his tenure at Texas Tech, James served in a number of leadership roles, including Department Chair of Agricultural Economics, Director of the Ag Experiment Station and the Assistant Dean of Agriculture. When he left in 1977, the University needed three people to carry out his responsibilities.

When the opportunity to serve as the Department Chair of Agricultural Economics became available, James and Mary Ann were

happy to finally return to Oklahoma and enjoyed being closer to their families in Tuttle.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, James was deeply committed to his students. He encouraged them, supported them, challenged them, and held them to his high expectations to what he knew they could achieve. He also had a particular gift for making people feel welcome. James and Mary Ann opened their home to international students during holidays, when those students were far from their own families.

Over the years, he served as a Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, Rotary Club president, along with many other roles that were informal but deeply appreciated by the communities he served.

For all of his professional accomplishments and service to others, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and absolutely delighted in becoming grandfather and later a great grandfather.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Ann as well as his children Nancy Osborn (Debbie) and John Osborn (Karen); beloved grandchildren Kyle, his wife Taylor and their children Kallie Jane and Katherine, Kevin and his wife Nicole and their son James, and Jason Osborn. In addition he has three surviving sister in laws Nita Fay Voigt, Georgia Lee Arterberry, and Rosemary Osborn, and one brother in law Carl Kennedy. Being “Pa” was truly a joy for him, he enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren and great grands. Also, in true grandparent form, didn’t believe in saying no to requests for reading one more book or getting into his endless stash of treats. His kind heart was evident also in his love of animals, and every dog knew there was a treat waiting for them in the pocket of his overalls. James fed cattle all winter, and it seemed to take him much longer than anyone else that did the job. We thought he was just being slow and careful, but what was really happening was hand feeding the cows cattle cubes at each pasture.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ida Osborn, sister Janis Osborn Kennedy, and brother Leon Osborn, five brothers in law, and three sisters in laws.

The verse Matthew 25:21 seems to exemplify the life of James Ezra Osborn. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Well done, Pa. Your family and friends will miss you more than words can say, and we are profoundly grateful that we had the privilege of having you as ours.

Memorial service for James Ezra Osborn will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Tuttle Methodist Church in Tuttle, OK. Burial (Inurnment) will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, OK under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.