The hearse passing the shop

On July 31st 2015 Rushden lost one of its characters. Jim Osborne ran his toy and sports equipment shop in Rushden High Street for over 60 years. In his youth he played football but had been forced to give this up owing to a knee problem. Jim He took a great interest in Rushden and he was also a member of the board of Rushden Sports Ltd. This had been formed in 1922 to safeguard the sports ground of the Town Football and Cricket Clubs. A visit to the shop was always a pleasure, where 'old fashioned' service was delivered always with a smile and a word of support or encouragement. Jim was serving the third generation of some families he had met when he first came to Rushden. Jim always supported local events and organisations in the town. He was a real gentleman who will be greatly missed. On 12th August 2015 the hearse carrying Jim drove along Rushden High Street where crowds had lined the street, and they all clapped their hands as the vehicle proceded past his shop. Following his cremation at Kettering, a Service of Thanksgiving for his Life was held at St Mary's Church, Higham Ferrers.

In his early days