Building a Website the Old-School Way: My Time with Mr. Jim

When a local newspaper sales rep reached out to me about a client who needed a website but didn’t have a logo, computer, or email address, I was instantly intrigued. That’s how I met Mr. Jim Osborn—an 87-year-old business owner with a love for hard work and a story that stole my heart.

Mr. Jim runs Queen Acres, a business named after a very special cow their family once loved. He offers services like equine bedding delivery, manure removal, land clearing, bushwacking, building/shed removal, excavation, and miscellaneous farm work. In short, he operates heavy machinery with more dedication than people half his age.

Because Mr. Jim doesn't use email or a computer, we had to get creative. We met at Starbucks (his new favorite place for fancy coffees) every time we needed to review edits. He gave me printed photos to scan and return, and his website content was written in some of the most beautiful cursive I’ve ever seen. It was hands-on, personal, and a bit old-school—but it worked.

I even had the chance to show him how to enter customer addresses into his car’s GPS so he wouldn’t get lost heading to job sites. It may sound simple, but these little things matter—especially for someone who’s still getting out there and doing tough, physical work every day.

Mr. Jim reminds me so much of my own grandfather, who recently passed away. Part of me didn’t want him to still be working—I wanted him to be resting, relaxing. But this is what brings him joy. He’s sharp, strong, and absolutely committed to his work.

I designed a simple, one-page website that gives his business a digital presence—a place to be found, to send inquiries, and to celebrate who he is and what he does. If you ever need any of the services Jim offers, I encourage you to support him. He’s not just affordable—he’s inspiring.