James R. Forbes

Jim was born on September 23, 1943 in Webster, South Dakota 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 September 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 Masons.

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 Mt. 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. US Air Force, and a brother, David Forbes.

Oneonta Lodge F&AM will conduct a Masonic ritual service at 6:45 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2013. A service to celebrate the life of James Forbes will follow at 7: 00 PM with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Hwy 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.