James E. Osgood, age 78 of Monroe, MI, died peacefully in his home on Monday, September 15, 2025 surrounded by his family.
Born July 11, 1947 in Monroe, Jim was the son of the late Francis G. and Mary K. (Dryer) Osgood.
Jim graduated from Monroe high school in 1965 and began his working career at Detroit Drop Die in Belleville, MI. During that time he attended the Henry Ford Trade School and apprenticeship program in Dearborn, becoming a Journeyman Impression Die Sinker. In 1980, Jim became co-owner of the business.
During his 50-year career of die making, he made assembly parts for Oldsmobile, Mac Truck, Caterpillar, and Lycombing Airplane Engines. Also, he casted dies for the production of pistol barrels, AR 15 rifles, and for the making of Abrams Tanks for the military.
Prior to retiring on May 1, 2015, he spent 15 years at Lake City Forge in New Boston, MI working in a one-man tool room.
Jim was very proud of his workmanship and what he achieved during his working life.
Jim was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe. His favorite place to be for the past 25 years was his cottage on Rock Lake in Vestaburg, MI. He enjoyed boating, tubing, fishing, and playing cards with family and friends.
On September 5, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Donna B. Strack, a farmer's daughter at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Summerfield, MI. Together they raised two children. An infant son, David James Osgood, preceded him in death.
Jim is survived by his wife Donna; son, Mark (Jeannine) Osgood of Brighton, MI; daughter, Tamara (Joseph) Bauer of Ann Arbor, MI; four cherished grandchildren, Madison and Samantha Osgood, and Frederick and Anika Bauer; brother, Thomas Osgood of Port Huron, MI; sister, Kathleen (Kenneth) Beason of Monroe; brother-in-law, James Strack of Ida, MI; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Adam) Platt of Olar, SC.
Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18th at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday. Cathy Maxwell, LLM of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will officiate along with John Gakenheimer who will deliver a eulogy. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial donations go to support Heartland Hospice of Monroe or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .