Obituary of James C. Forbes

Jim Forbes, 85, spent his regular Sunday, in church, worshiping his Lord and Savior. He came home, went to sleep in the arms of the love of his life and woke in the glory of his King on Monday morning, February 9, 2009. Jim Forbes was many things to many people. He spent 56 years with his best friend, Donna Forbes, living each and every day to its fullest. He was an amazing father who left a legacy of love and Christ-like living to his daughters, Karen Green and Linda Hoffman. Adding to their family, and also remaining in their hope of glory is Terry Green, husband of Karen, father to Shara, and to Jason and his wife Liz; Rick Hoffman, husband of Linda, and her children; Ricky and his wife Jennilee, and daughter, Maggie (aka Peach to her Papa). Also left behind feeling sadness of our own loss that Jim is gone but thrilled at his arrival home is his sister and her husband, Betty and Bob Geisenheyner, Brothers and Sisters in law, Leslie and Patsy Coughran, Cecil Coughran, Darlene Coughran, Eva and Kevin Bevill, and too many precious nieces and nephews to count. He bore many names to those who loved him: as Honey, Papa Red Truck, Daddy, Jim, Ancient of Days, Pester Forbes, Papa, the constant joker, and guy who lived to find a pun in every sentence to bring laughter for all. Blessing those in worship he spent 30 years tinkling the ivories like only he could until he retired to mentor Randy Green to take his bench. He spent his life being a spiritual father and mentoring young men; but among those who grew most precious to him were Terry Green, Rick Hoffman, Jeff (Carlos) Shaffer, Randy Green, Tony Pena, Shaun Tull and countless others. Infamous were the cakes he baked to bless those he loved. He was Mr. Forbes to countless children while he served as teacher and principal for 31 years to students in the Alisal School District; working at Fremont and Bardin Schools. He served his country in the Navy for 3 years in 1940’s. But, his greatest goal in life was to live in such as manner as to illustrate the Christ he served so that others might know Him and join him some day in eternity. He was integral in the growth and development from the very beginning stages of Oak Park Community Church which has evolved to Celebration and was active within that body till the very day the Lord chose to take him home. In Jim's memory, Contributions may be made to: Celebration Church Salinas c/o Healing Ministries 846 Archer Street Salinas, CA 93901