James Edward Forgie
James Edward Forgie, age 98 of Cookeville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Life Care Center of Sparta.
He was born March 18, 1928 in Elyria, Ohio, and he was the son of the late Robert and Marjorie Demaray Forgie. Mr. James was a man of many interests and talents. He obtained his private commercial license and became an instrument rated flight instructor and multi engine flight instructor, he managed the airport in Gladwin County, and he was a musician and played in The Medalions, as well as a few other bands, for several years. He also had a career in radio, playing with Little Jimmy Dickens. He had short bullriding and parachute jumping careers until Mrs. Roma made him retire. He enjoyed arts and crafts, wood duck carvings, golf, fastpitch softball, and being active in the churches he attended in Michigan.
He proudly served his country serving in The United States Coast Gurad and Air Force. James met Mrs. Roma and they married on Nov. 7, 1953. He was a conservation officer and later became fire district supervisor at the Department of Natural Resources.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Roma Forgie, his aunt and uncle whom helped raise him, Duncan and Ethel Hall, and his sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Legge.
He is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Forgie Barbas of Lakeland, TN; sons: William “Bill” James Forgie and wife, Vicki, of Lewisburg, TN, and Scott Edward Forgie of Cookeville, TN; 10 grandchildren,16 greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brother, William Forgie of Pueblo, CO; sister-in-law, Joyce Wrisley of FL; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Washington Avenue Baptist Church located at 1621 N. Washington Ave. in Cookeville, TN with Minister Jesse Bailey officiating. The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of the service at the church.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.presleyfuneralhome. com.