James M. Forbes

James M. Forbes, CAPT, USNR (Ret), 85, of Aurora, took his final flight on January 10, 2005. Born in Kansas City, KS July 17, 1919, he graduated from the University of Kansas. In WWII he was an SBD Dauntless pilot aboard USS Hornet. He took part in the Battle of Midway and in the Guadalcanal Campaign. In the later stage of the war he was Executive Officer of VF-82, flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Bennington in the battles for the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the first carrier invasions of Japan. He was president and CEO of his own appraisal business for 35 years. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a great pilot, an avid golfer and trap-shooter, a wonderful man, and a hero we shall all remember. Survived by Claire, beloved wife of 60 years; sons Jim Jr. and Kent Forbes; daughter Diane Zoretic; brother; Jack Forbes, granddaughters Kalyani and Kassidy Rogers and Amanda Forbes. A celebration of life service is scheduled at 10am Wednesday, January 19, at the Alameda Building (LDS) at 11100 E. Alameda in Aurora. Interment with military honors will follow at 1pm, Ft. Logan National Cemetery, staging area "B". Donations in the name of Jim Forbes to the Daedalian Mile High Flight 18 Scholarship Fund, PO Box 47014, Aurora, CO 80047.