Raised December 4, 1967
MOUNT VISION — James R. Forbes, 69, of Mount Vision, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013, at his residence.
Jim was born on Sept. 23, 1943, in Webster, S.D., the son of retired Air Force Lt. Col. James LeRoy and Norma (Halvorsen) Forbes.
He married Claudia Richardson on July 31, 1966, and she predeceased him on Sept. 30, 2008.
From 1966 until his retirement in 1997, Jim taught in the Laurens School District.
He was a member of the Oneonta First United Methodist Church, BPOE 1312, Oneonta Masonic Lodge 466 of which he was a Past Master, and a Royal Arch Mason.
Jim was an avid horse enthusiast. He raised and trained horses and mules for the last 25 years. He had a true love for life and an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed motorcycling, boating and spending time on Otsego Lake.
He is survived by his son, James O. Forbes and his wife, Shannon of Oneonta; two granddaughters, Aidan and Molly Forbes to whom he was very devoted; and his best friend, Beth Worden of Mount Vision. He is also survived by sisters and brothers, Linda Lee of Alaska, Roberta (Raymond) Jackson of Kentucky, Raymond (Tracie) Forbes of South Carolina, and Mark (Lynn) Forbes of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Major Janyce Forbes, ret. U.S. Air Force; and a brother, David Forbes.
Oneonta Lodge F&AM will conduct a Masonic Ritual Service at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. A service to celebrate the life of James Forbes will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 prior to the service.