Jack Randall Forshey

With the most profound love, respect and admiration, we announce the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Jack Randall Forshey, United States Air Force (Retired). He left this life peacefully on October 10th 2019, surrounded by his family. He was 78 years old.

As an officer in the US Air Force, Jack served 2 tours in Vietnam flying the F-4 Phantom, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bronze Star.

Born in Akron and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Jack graduated from Cuyahoga Falls HS in 1959 and went on to earn a bachelors degree from Kent State University in 1964, upon which time he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He later earned a Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1982. He served his country dutifully at stations around the world, including Florida, California, Spain, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. He retired from the Air Force in 1991 after 26 years of faithful service and continued his public service as a Standards Supervisor for the North Carolina Department of Labor until his retirement in 2006. Jack was married to the love of his life, Pamela Kay Garrett, for almost 51 years.

Jack was a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was known for his dry wit, laughter, humorous Christmas letters, kindness, generosity towards others, and unwavering faith in God. His roots in Cuyahoga Falls were never far from his mind. In his later years, Jack enjoyed drawing comics with his grandchildren, traveling, spending time with his family, attending church, and enjoying the fruits of a life well-lived.

Jack is survived by his wife, Pamela Forshey (of Raleigh, NC), daughters Heather Forshey (of San Jose, CA) and Samantha Forshey Haidl (of Dexter, MI), and grandchildren Jack and Katherine. He leaves behind beloved members of his extended family and many important life-long friends in Ohio, Indiana, and around the country.

The family would like to express a heart felt thank you to Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh for their tender care and compassion.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 11:00am. Following the service, the family wishes to share memories of Jack and show their appreciation for the outpouring of love and support at an Open House from 2 to 5pm located at 1119 ½ Queen St, Alexandria, VA 22314. During this time, all are welcomed to visit with Jack’s family and friends.

Donations in Jack’s honor can be made to: The United Service Organization, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860 or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Anyone planning to attend the burial on March 4th should arrive at the Administration Building by 10:30AM with a government-issued ID for entry. Use the following link for more information about attending a funeral and directions to Arlington National Cemetery:

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Here/Directions