James Arnold Forbus

James Arnold Forbus was born at home on January 23, 1942 to Arnold and Lavern Forbus in Alexander City, Alabama.  He was the 4th born of 6 kids that included 4 brothers and 1 sister.  At the age of 5, a tornado destroyed all but the one room the family of 8 took shelter in but they all persevered.  James played football and baseball for Koosa County High School and graduated in 1960.  He then joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho after basic training where he was part of the incidence response unit on the flight line.  He met the love of his life, Marcia Johns, on September 15th, 1962 on a train in Green River, Wyoming.  He was sitting in Marcia’s seat when she boarded.  With his southern charm, he asked her if he could help her.  She explained that he was sitting in her seat so he moved over a seat and made conversation with her.  By the time they reached their destination, he was holding her hand.  James proposed to Marcia on December 12th of 1962 and gave her her engagement ring on February 14th, 1963.  One short month later, they married on March 21st at Calvary First Assembly of God on Main Street in Boise, Idaho.  They were blessed with 4 children, Don, Jim, Kim and Patti.  After leaving the Air Force, James went to work as an appliance service technician for Home Appliance Service where in 1980, James and Marcia purchased and ran the business until his retirement.  James and Marcia celebrated 60 years of marriage in March of 2023 and the love they shared only grew stronger.  He truly loved God, Marcia, and his kids with all his heart and raised his family in church.  He taught the adult Sunday School class every Sunday morning as well as serving as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.  Nothing made him smile more than being called dad, Pop, or Papa.  He loved hunting and fishing with his best friends Jackie Marshall, John Smith, Denney Strong and son Don as well as spending time with Marcia at their cabin in Garden Valley, Idaho.  He was happiest when he was surrounded by his kids and grandkids and was constantly telling us he wanted more grandbabies running around.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lavern Forbus, brother Wayne, brother Walter and Francis Forbus, sister Ruby and Marvin Dean, brother Ronald Forbus, brother Raymond Forbus, son James Darrel Forbus, and granddaughter Rachel Forbus.

James is survived by his loving wife, Marcia, son and daughter-in-law Don and Dawna Forbus, daughter-in-law Robin Forbus, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Tim Brown, daughter and son-in-law Patti and Chris Sandoval, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

ROLL TIDE Pop…We love you and you will be missed greatly by all who knew you!

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at Dry Creek Cemetery.