James Richard “Jim” Owsley, 91, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
Jim was born February 19, 1934 in LaHarpe, the son of Arlie and Helen (Wilson) Owsley. On October 12, 1952 he married Donna Jean McPeak in Blandinsville, Illinois. She preceded him in death October 4, 2012.
Jim was a graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, he was employed as Superintendent of the LaHarpe Water Department for 10 years. He spent most of his life working on the assembly line, as an inspector and forklift operator at Case in Burlington, Iowa. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, boating, being at his cabin in Heapsville and wintering in Florida. He was a past member of the LaHarpe Fire Department and was an active member of the UAW #401.
Survivors include his four daughters: Janice Russo of LaHarpe and Tampa, Florida, Eva Jean Warren of Tampa, Joyce Crabill of Cape Coral, Florida and Joanna Schenck of LaHarpe; nine grandchildren: Terri (Patrick) Barnett, Brigitte Russo, Michael Rusher, Kathy (Brian) Solis, Mark Crabill, Benjamin Crabill, David Crabill, Daniel (Barbara) Schenck and Melissa (Tyler) Monroe; ten great-grandchildren and four siblings: Sharon Musselman of Midland, Texas, Bernard Owsley of Ft. Madison, Craig (Cindy) Owsley of LaHarpe and Max (Caroline) Owsley of LaHarpe.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son in infancy: David; and four siblings: Violet Allen, Donald Owsley, Arlene Lovell and Marie Basso.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Graveside service will follow at LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Fire Department.