James Fredrick Forrest

1951 - 2021

James Fredrick Forrest, 70, of Winter Park, Florida, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 11, 2021.

Shortly before his death, he was able to be with his beloved daughters, Ellen and Melanie, happily making arrangements for Melanie's wedding.

Jim's daughters were his joy and life. The three of them were beyond blessed to have each other.

Jim was born Jan. 28, 1951, to Ed and Marigrace (Bickel) Forrest. He is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Voogd of Onsted, Michigan, and Ginny Forrest of Elkhart, Indiana, along with their daughters, Teri Hunt, Amy Yankel, Betsy Terakedis and Katie Spadafore, who adored their uncle. Jim was pre-deceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Terry Voogd, with whom Jim had a close, fun loving relationship.

Jim was a 1969 graduate of LaSalle High School in South Bend and a 1973 graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He was a loyal member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, always looking forward to WMU's homecomings, especially so he could be with his fraternity brothers again.

Jim was the owner of Trucut Tool and Supply, then went on to manage Speedway gas stations. He moved to Florida to be closer to his daughters and was able to retire there. Jim loved people and they loved him. He especially enjoyed being with his cousins, as family was always important to him. He was fun, selfless, loyal, loving, and left us with some of the funniest stories and memories ever. He was also one of a kind who has left us with an emptiness in our hearts.

His daughters, Ellen Forrest and Melanie (Brad) Forrest-Lattin, will honor their dad with a memorial service in South Bend at a later date.