James (Jay) Frederick Allan Forbes

Jay was a true Candian Patriot. Kind hearted, soft spoken and a true friend. Jay may not have realized it, but he was often the voice of reason for so many. He was always ready to listen and offer a smile.

      Jay was born during a snow storm on March 4, 1985 at St. Josephs Hospital in London, Ontario. His parents Diane and Sandy and Sister Heather. Jay was raised in Lucan, Ontario and loved growing up on the farm. Even as a child, Jay had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. Always a good playmate, Jay was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was.

      Jay's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was adventurous, energetic and had a lively imagination. If his parents could not see him playing in the yard, they knew to check high in the red maple tree which he was known to climb. Jay had an active childhood and was constantly on the go at the farm. He took part in Hockey and Baseball and he was a Beaver. He enjoyed spending time on his bike whether at home or the trailer and was and avid collector of hockey cards. As a child one of Jay's memorable moments included touching the Stanely Cup, meeting Gordy Howe, who kissed his sister on the cheeck and Jay getting the autograph.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Jay was a true friend, always ready to lend an ear and offer advice. Jay simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends having a good time. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” In 2004 Jay graduated from Medway High school in Arva.

After high school he continued working at Harvey's and later The Tasting Room. In order to save money for a trip to Vietman, he spent the summer working at a plant where they manufactured car parts. In September of that year he realized a dream of being in Vietnam for 3 months. He enjoyed the food, culture and the friendly people. The trip gave Jay the chance to see with his own eyes, what he had previously read about. One of the highlight of the trip was experiencing the cu chi tunnels.

      Jay moved to Windsor to attend University, where he settled into the village of sandwich town. He was an advocate for his community, choosing to shop local and support small business. While there he made new friends and pursued his passion, by working towards a History Major and studying political Science. He later became a memeber of the Naval Reserves, where he made many more friends.

      Jay never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. As a re-enactor he was drawn to individuals and crowds, and shared his enthusiasm while captivating his audience. These qualities allowed Jay to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends and experiences. He even took a course to complete a parachute jump, which he thoroughly enjoyed. While growing up, some of his best friends were Eric Griffith, Justin Robery, Ryan Campbell, Eric Bladek, Roger Wilson and Mitch Aulis. Later in life, he became close with Josh Stevens, Derek Wilkinson and Sean Arbuthnot as well as others he met while re-enacting.

Jays favorite pursuits were Reading History, listening to veterans and expressing his opinions about current world issues. He was also something of a sports fan and loved watching hockey and cheered for The Sens and Canucks. (not sure where to put this)

      A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, Jay often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Outspoken in his beliefs, yet tactful in his dealings with others, Jay was involved for revitalization of his neighbourhood, Sandwich Town.

      Naturally outgoing and generous, Jay was regularly doing things for others. For him, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Jay was given accolades for his many accomplishments throughout his life. He was presented with a Canadian Flag flown at Kandahar Airfield in recognition for his efforts with the "High Way of Heroes" petition.

     It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favorite vacations included time spent in Florida with the Griffith Family. Travelling to Paris and then onto Scotland to visit Grandparents, his Aunt and Uncle as well as 2 cousins.

      Jay was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. Scooby the faithful barn cat followed Jay everywhere, and saw him off at the school bus each morning. Family dogs growing up on the farm were Nick and Dixie. Roy came later and missed Jay dearly when he went off to University. Jay loved being able to surprise Roy and relished in his crazy, excited reaction upon seeing him return from Windsor.

      Jay brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time, share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family.

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Passed away in Windsor on Saturday, April 25, 2015 in his 31st year. Loving son of Diane and Alexander (Sandy) of London, Ontario. Caring brother to Heather of Kitchener. Dearly loved and will be missed by Aunt Linda and Uncle Mike, cousins Diane, Brian (Maria), Michael and Amy. Jay will also be missed by his lifelong friend Eric Griffith & his wife Megan and their family of Halifax, Nova Scotia, his re-enactment buddies Josh Stevens, Derek Wilkinson and Sean Arbuthnot as well as many other friends made during his travels. His greatest pride was in 2007 when he initiated the online petition for the official re-naming of the section of Highway #401 to the “Highway of Heroes”. Shortly after that accomplishment, he received a Canadian Flag flown at Kandahar for his efforts. He had recently joined The Naval Reserves while attending the University of Windsor. Memorial Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 895 Ouellette Avenue, (519) 254-3223 on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service in the Anderson Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m., officiated by Padre Bruce Jackson. If desired, memorial donations made to Canadian Blood Services,the Canadian Mental Health Association or The Kids Help Phone would be appreciated by the family. Please join us in remembering Jay by visiting his memorial at www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com