A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, Jim Forrest attended college and seminary in Texas. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baylor University, Waco, and a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. He also received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California.
Prior to entering the ministry, he was an optician with the American Optical Company and was in the U.S. Army from 1948-1949, then Active Reserves from 1949-1953. He married the love of his life, Joyce Hewitt, on August 23, 1951. He pastored churches in Texas from 1952-1962, then in Colorado from 1962-1970. In 1970, he and his family moved to California, where he became Director of Missions for the Long Beach Harbor Baptist Association. In 1984, he joined the Home Mission Board staff as Assistant Director for the Church Loans Division, and then a Loan Officer until his retirement on December 31, 1995.
Jim loved Jesus and always wanted his Bible with him everywhere he went. His family was his greatest joy, along with his beloved wife, whom he has now joined in heaven. He always said he wanted to outlive Joyce . . . by one minute! He ended up outliving her by 4 years, 3 months, and 8 days. Prior to his passing, he lived the last 8 months of his life in his daughter and son-in-law’s home, surrounded by his many loved ones. His family is eternally grateful for the sweet and compassionate CNA’s, who cared for Jim. The family would like to thank Jerilyn Evans and Guendi Flores de Blackwood for their loving care before his decline. His wisdom has guided many, and his long career as a minister touched more lives than he will ever know. He was the strength and rock of his family. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Jim is survived by daughter, Donna (Bob) Lewis, daughter, Sherrye (Steve) Merriman, son, Steven Forrest; Grandchildren, Diana Merriman, Jon (Caitlin) Lewis, Trisha (Phil) Corso, Chris (Georgina) Lewis, Joel Lewis, Andy (Kara) Lewis, Sarah (Eric) Klich and Jerilyn Evans; Great-Grandchildren, Adriana Lopez, Easton Kaiser (Klich), Luca Corso, Carter Klich, Tommy Corso; Great-Great-Grandson Brayden Till. Also survived by his brother David Jerome (Betty) Forrest and numerous nieces and nephews that love him very much.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S. Hwy 287, Ft. Collins, CO 80525, with food provided immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Daddy’s “Little Church” that he loved and faithfully supported, Calvary Derby Hill, 207 19th St. SE, Loveland, CO 80537.
If you would like to send flowers, you can contact Earle’s Flowers & Gifts in Loveland, CO at 970-316-5435.
