Jim Forman

Jim was born on December 20, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to James Jr. and Cecelia (Ott) Forman. He graduated from Americus (Georgia) High School and earned a degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University. He worked for 3M for 34 years, supporting manufacturing operations in industrial tape divisions. Jim and Nancy married in 1965, and they raised their daughters Catherine and Rebecca in Decatur, Alabama, Knoxville, Iowa, and Woodbury, Minnesota, as they moved with his job. In his retirement, he and Nancy traveled the world, visiting all seven continents; they loved learning about different cultures, religions, and customs.

Jim was known for his humor, friendliness, generosity, and compassion. He volunteered for many years with his church, Habitat for Humanity, and Red Cross Bloodmobiles, and he received 3M’s Volunteer Award in 2013 in recognition of his dedication to serving others. In 2025, when he was no longer physically able to work with Habitat, he began volunteering as a greeter at Woodwinds Hospital; he walked patients to their appointments and was glad and proud that he was able to make people feel comfortable when they were in a stressful situation.

Jim also enjoyed spending time with his friends and family: trap shooting at the 3M Trap and Skeet Club; lunches out with church, 3M, and Habitat groups; gathering for dinner or dessert; weekends in Preston and plays in Lanesboro; and celebrating his grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy; his daughters Catherine (Myron) Jacobson and Rebecca Forman (Kyle Hammond); his grandchildren Quinn Jacobson, Lydia Jacobson, and Bryn Hammond; and his brother Steve (Michelle) Forman. He will be deeply missed by them and his many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church (7305 Afton Road, Woodbury) on Thursday, May 28 at 5 pm, with a visitation at 3:30. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/christchurchwoodbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the African Community Health Initiative (via Christ Episcopal Church) or Habitat for Humanity.