He was born in Somerset, MI on July 28, 1936, to James M and Florence (Allen) Onsted. He attended Adrian High School, graduating with the Class of 1954. Jim joined the United States Army 2nd Armored Division in 1955 and served his country until 1958.
Jim married the love of his life, Jean M. Obenour on July 28, 1959. Together they raised five children – James, Kathy, David, Steven, and Teresa. Jim attended the Police Academy through the University of Michigan and worked for the Adrian City Police Department for 33 years, until his retirement in 1994. During his time with the department, Jim was on the Police Department’s competition shooting team, winning many awards throughout the years.
Jim was a Boy Scout troop leader for his three sons and enjoyed being on a bowling league for many years. Later in life, Jim took up golf and played many entertaining rounds on the golf course. Jim was also a gifted wood worker, spending countless hours in his basement workshop creating many beautiful pieces of furniture and curios.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Jean M. (Obenour) of Howard City, MI; sons, James P. Onsted of Clinton, MI, David P. (Cathy) Onsted of Adrian, MI and daughter Teresa M. (David) Zarnosky of Howard City, MI; his sister, Carolyn North of Rockford, IL; 11grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence Onsted; sister, Winifred Onsted; daughter, Kathy J. Howard and son, Steven L. Onsted.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Jasper Bible Church with Rev. Bruce Jewett officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service. Cremation will follow and inurnment will occur at a later date at Onsted Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wagleyfuneralhomes.com
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