James A. Forrest

James A. Forrest of Louisville, Ohio, 62, passed away on April 3, 2023. Jim was born on January 29, 1961 in Canton to the late Floyd A. and Cora "Anne" (Hostuttler) Forrest. Jim graduated from Timken Senior High School in 1979. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Reed on October 29, 1988 and together they raised two sons, of which they were both very proud. Jim was an inventor, tinkerer and fixer of anything with moving parts. His love of mechanics and electronics began at a young age, he was only 4 when he started spending time with his father fixing small motors, a tradition he shared with his own children. By the time he was a teenager, Jim had created a workshop in the basement of his parent's home where he'd spend hours tinkering with and fixing friends' radios, stereos and other small electronics. He was a brilliant, curious, self-taught man and was fascinated with new technology his entire life. He was the other side of the battery and his patience and knowledge was inspiring to those he taught, no matter how stubborn the student. Many affectionately knew him as "Edison." This skillset served him well as he enjoyed a long career with J&L Steel, now Allegheny Technologies, until his retirement. Later in life, he became the MacGyver of smart-technology; chances are if something had a plug, it was Alexa-enabled. A dedicated family man, devoted to his wife and extremely proud of his sons, Jim loved family get-togethers, attending his sons' ball games, heading to the camper for some quality time or just sharing his wisdom with his boys. He continued to cherish the phone calls, visits, and any chance to share a Whopper together. Jim recently became "Grampy" and was enamored with his granddaughter, Leona. Although Jim struggled after Bonnie passed away in 2017, his faith in Jesus Christ gave him strength and his family takes comfort in knowing that Jim has everlasting life with the Lord in heaven. Those who knew him will miss his warm hugs, his gentle spirit, and his selfless heart. He left behind beautiful memories and his love will always guide his children throughout their lives. Jim is preceded by his wife, Bonnie, his father and mother. He is survived by his sons, Brandon (Lindsey) and their daughter, Leona, Paul "Brad" (Stephanie); brother, Rick (fiancée, Cheryl "Drew"); and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins
A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held 11am Tuesday at Stier-Israel Funeral Home in Louisville with Pastor Steve Gilreath officiating. Jim will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Garden, Louisville, OH. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stierisraelfuneralhome.com
Stier-Israel Funeral Home 330-875-1414
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