James Burton Osborne

James Burton Osborne, 86, passed away peacefully in Community Hospice after a short illness in Jacksonville, FL, on September 22, 2025. He was born in Jacksonville on September 6, 1939, to Burton F. Osborne and Alice Eleanor Martinson-Osborne.

A proud graduate of Jacksonville University, Class of 1962, James soon married the love of his life, Mary Helen Garvin. Over the course of his career, he worked for RCA at Cape Canaveral, Reynolds Smith & Hills and Computer Power. He was one of the first employees at Computer Power where he helped with the initial implementation and development of Fundamentally Modular (FM) which has evolved into what is now part of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Mortgage Technology.

He later channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into developing backup and restore utility software—eventually founding his own corporation Generic Systems, Inc. in 1972. Some of the software he created remains in use today, decades after the sale of his company. He was part of the early computer era and remained in awe of the rapid innovation in the field he loved.

In his youth, James rode motorcycles and competed in weightlifting, setting numerous local and state records during the 1960s. He later became a passionate runner and cyclist. He rode his bicycle regularly, even into his 80s, and found joy in playing the piano. He was an avid reader, a creative problem-solver, and a natural builder—often working with his hands as much as with his mind.

James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His loving daughter, a constant source of pride, became one of his primary caregivers during his final months—a reflection of the deep bond they shared. Affectionately known as “Grendy” by his grandchildren, James was deeply involved in their lives. He created imaginative outdoor adventures, lent a hand with school projects, taught them to drive, and most recently, gifted them land to build their dream homes—a true testament to his generous and loving nature.

He lived a full and thoughtful life—marked by love, learning, and a quiet brilliance that left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

James is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Mary Helen Garvin-Osborne; his loving daughter, Deborah Osborne Lents (Lester Stewart); and his two beloved grandchildren, Shannon Christine Lents and Brandon James Lents. He is also fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eleanor Jean Osborne and Sandra Jane Osborne; his brother, David M. Osborne and son-in-law James F. Lents.

A private service and celebration of life will be held for family and close friends on October 11, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or your local Hospice Care Center, in James’s memory.