James J. Osborne Jr., formerly of Erdenheim, the former co-owner and CEO of Williamson Hospitality Services, college football star, and Army veteran, has died aged 83 at KeystoneCare Hospice in Wyndmoor, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

James Osborne served as an executive of the Willow Grove-based food service company from its founding in 1994 until he retired in the early 2000s. He also lectured each year to culinary students at Cornell University and was recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the National Restaurant Association.

“He was very social and humility-driven,” said Osborne’s son, Greg. “He loved talking to people in the kitchen more than the managers. He liked working-class folks.”

He excelled as a football player for La Salle College High School and Villanova University. After graduation, he was offered tryouts with three professional teams but declined.

Instead, he opted to become a longtime football referee and field official, first officiating high school and college football games before becoming a side judge and line judge in the NFL.

“He was very fair and never spoke a bad word about anyone,” said James Osborne’s son, James III.

Read more about James Osborne Jr. in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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