James F. Forgrave

James F. Forgrave

NEWARK: A funeral service for James "Jim Porky" Forgrave will be held at 10am, on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, with Pastor Sam Harnish officiating. Burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery, where the Licking County Veterans Alliance will provide military funeral honors. Friends and family may call 4-7pm, on Wednesday, at the funeral home, 985 N. 21st Street in Newark.

Jim passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at Chapel Grove in Heath. He was born on July 17, 1925, in Newark, a son of the late Clarence (Stanley) "Bob" and Ina Mae (Roberts) Forgrave.

Jim was drafted out of high school and served 2 ½ years in the Army Air Corps during WWII and was stationed in India. He was in three separate battles and earned three battle stars. Jim was a wonderful example of "The Greatest Generation". After serving his country proudly, Jim returned to Newark High School and graduated in 1946.

He graduated from Muskingum College in 1950, with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He attended graduate school at Kent State University from 1972-1975, where he earned his Supervisor and Director Certificates in Vocational Education.

Jim taught and coached for 34 years in Austintown Fitch High School, Warren West Jr. High School, McDonald High School, Newark City Schools and River View High School. He loved all of his students and athletes. He remembered them fondly throughout his life. He started the OWE program at River View and was especially proud of the OWE students.

He was inducted into the Muskingum College Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 for Track and Football and the Newark High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 for Track and Football.

Jim was a member of The Christ United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and was a member of The United Methodist Men.

On November 22, 1951, Jim married Kathleen Kalaher, at St. Rose Church in Girard, OH. Kathleen passed away on December 26, 1958. He married Barbara (Post) on January 9, 1960, at Central Church of Christ in Newark, OH.

Jim raised five children and was a wonderful father. His children are grateful for all the love, sacrifices, great examples, and wisdom that he showed them over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Post); three daughters, Candy (Mike) Kilpatrick of Coshocton, OH, Cathy (Rick) Sisco of Colorado Springs, CO and Cindy Forgrave of San Francisco, CA; son, Robert (Nereida) Forgrave of Millersville, PA; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen; parents, Clarence "Bob" Forgrave (September 27, 1952) and Ina Mae Forgrave (June 6, 1982); daughter, Terri Forgrave Cantrell (November 10, 2003); and his only sibling, brother, David Forgrave (March 28, 2011).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Christ United Methodist Church, 10 N. Cedar St., Newark, OH, 43055 or Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, OH 43058.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.