Jim Osborn (1972 file photo)

Jim Osborn, the legendary former vice president and general manager of WXYZ-TV during the 1970s, passed away on October 20 in California. He was 96 years old.

Osborn served as vice president and general manager of WXYZ-TV from 1972 to 1979. During his tenure, WXYZ-TV, then owned and operated by ABC, grew into the top-rated station in the Detroit market and became recognized as one of the nation's powerhouse television stations.

Colleagues remember Osborn for his unwavering commitment to journalism, determination, and sense of humor. He understood the importance of both the work and the people behind it, earning a reputation for building strong teams and recruiting exceptional talent across the station.

Confident and comfortable before the camera, Osborn delivered commentaries with verve. His on-air presence allowed him to be a kind of local celebrity as he spoke on political and social issues affecting Detroit.

"Jim was a dynamic and innovative general manager who led WXYZ Channel 7 during the '70s and helped make it one of the strongest ABC stations in the country," said Mike Murri, Regional VP & WXYZ-WMYD General Manager.

Osborn's leadership helped shape the station's reputation for excellence and left a lasting impact on generations of journalists and broadcasters who followed.

After WXYZ, Osborn went on to work for KGO-TV in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980s, where he also left an enduring legacy.

A proud native of Michigan, he was born and raised in Lansing and the son of professional football player, Duke Osborn of the 1922 NFL champions, The Canton Bulldogs. His father later became an executive at Oldsmobile. He attended Michigan State University where he met his wife, Nancy, when he was a freshman.

He is survived by Nancy, his three sons, Scott, Todd & Mark plus three grandsons James-Duke, Luke and Dale and a granddaughter, Kendall.

A loving husband, father and friend, his outstanding presence, while greatly missed, leaves nothing but happy memories.