James "Bill" W. Osborne Obituary

Walt and Dave,
We are very sorry to learn of your father's passing. Thinking of you at this sad time.
With deepest sympathy,
Carl Cambridge and Judy Duwa Cambridge

I came to the UI's Department of Microbiology in 1972, and was soon involved in experiments involving radioisotopes. I knew little about the physics or practical handling of radioisotopes. In asking around for assistance in getting educated, the answer was always Talk to Bill Osborne. So I did and found out the advice was right on the button. I found Bill to be generous with his time and expertise, and was enabled to do the experiments. I would see Bill

I came to the UI's Department of Microbiology in 1972, and was soon involved in experiments involving radioisotopes. I knew little about the physics or practical handling of radioisotopes. In asking around for assistance in getting educated, the answer was always Talk to Bill Osborne. So I did and found out the advice was right on the button. I found Bill to be generous with his time and expertise, and was enabled to do the experiments. I would see Bill off and on over the years after that, and every time I recognized that I was in the presence of a man of great character and generosity.

Dear Marilyn and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. We cherish the memories and the support that you and Bill extended to us during our time in Iowa City and your visit to our home here in Melbourne.
Our love and deepest sympathy at this time of great sorrow. May you find support from those who surround you.

Amanda, Phil, Tom and Steph Yeung

I am so sorry for your loss "Ozzies".

My heart and prayers go out to the Osborne Family. Bill was such a great Coralville man. He always had time for us Coralville kids when ever we saw him. Bill had one of the best hook shots in basketball I had ever seen and he would school us kids at the Coralville Rec Center with that hook shot! Heaven gets a great man in Bill. God bless Bill and the Osborne Family.

Mark, Debi & Devin Judge

I first met Bill in 1988 when I came to work at the University of Iowa. He greeted me warmly at that time and remained a good and supportive friend. He often chatted with me and gave me good advice and encouragement. Bill was devoted to his profession and his students, and he made many substantial contributions to Radiation Biology. I will miss him.

Dear Marilyn and family,
We are saddened to learn of Bill's passing. We have such wonderful times together especially playing bridge together once a month for YEARS! We also cherish memories of dinners out with that same bridge group.

Much love,
Wayne and Nancy

Uncle Bill was always the best story teller (non fiction!). When Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Bill would fly into Arizona to stay with his sister Mary, we would accompany them (once their stay with us was finished) down to Tucson for them to visit with long time friends. Those car rides were always fascinating. Uncle Bill could recount so many stories from his youth and of his parents (my grandma and grandpa). He filled in the blanks for so many

Uncle Bill was always the best story teller (non fiction!). When Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Bill would fly into Arizona to stay with his sister Mary, we would accompany them (once their stay with us was finished) down to Tucson for them to visit with long time friends. Those car rides were always fascinating. Uncle Bill could recount so many stories from his youth and of his parents (my grandma and grandpa). He filled in the blanks for so many questions that I had and I'll forever remember those trips. I knew Uncle Bill was a kind and honorable man, but reading all of the nice things his colleagues and students had to say about him made me so happy and proud. A great man has gone home. Aunt Marilyn our hearts are with you in this very sad time. We love you.

Deb Statt-Gum, Wayne Gum and Mary Woody

To Marilyn and family,

Bill was a stalwart of the Radiation Research Society. His presence as the ever-present camera in the meeting rooms, acting as the reminder of the Society's history and his overall contributions to the field cannot be under-stated. He will be missed by all who knew him.

My sincere condolences to all.

Twenty years ago, a long distant phone call with a gentle, soft and assuring voice surprised me with the news that I was accepted into the Radiation Biology Graduate Program at the University of Iowa. I am forever grateful to Dr. Osborne for opening the first door for my north American adventure.
May you rest in peace.