James L. Forsyth

James L. Forsyth, 90, of Fremont, OH passed away at home on June 28, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 7, 1932 in Fremont, OH, to William F. And Eleanor (Halbeisen) Forsyth. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty (Joseph) Forsyth; a son, James P. Forsyth; three brothers, John, William and Robert; two sisters, Mary and Janet.  James was a lifelong Fremont resident and a graduate of St. Joe Catholic High School and then went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Okinawa during the Korean War.  He worked at Ludlow Composites for over 35 years as a plant manager before retiring in 1997.  Beloved by all, he was a man who valued family and friendship. He had a cutting wit, combined with a keen mind, and he made us laugh into his final days. Every April, at tax time, he enjoyed helping friends and neighbors complete their income taxes because he didn’t want them wasting money on tax preparers. He was a Life Member and Past Commander of the Fremont VFW, Post 2947, the Life Member of the Fremont Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he was a Past President and Life Member of the American Legion. After he retired, Jim devoted himself to enjoying life and spending time with his family. He took his kids and grandkids to the Reds and Indians games and he was the first person many called when they were in need. He loved to gamble and in his 60s and 70s, traveling to casinos across the U.S. with his friend, Ben Bartson, often sharing tales of their adventures when he returned. A champion bowler, his first job was setting pins at the Fremont Bowling Alley at the age of ten. This inspired a life-long love of the sport and too many trophies for Betty to comfortably display. He was also recognized as a pool shark, and played on many leagues: Rack & Cue, Gibsonburg Area League, Fremont Pool League and Sandusky County Pool League, well into his eighties, alongside his son, Jerry, in tournaments across Northwest Ohio. Bowling trophies were moved to the garage and replaced by billiards trophies. After Betty died in 2021, Jim lost much of his joy in living. He continued his routine of walking three miles a day up until a few months ago and could often be spotted at Spiegel Grove feeding the squirrels, but he would often express a desire to join her. While his family and friends grieve his loss, we are happy his deepest wish was granted and they are together in Heaven once again.

Jim is survived by his children: Jeff Forsyth, Nora Sallows, Jerry Forsyth, Steve Forsyth, and grandchildren: Keith Brant, Kathleen Clark, Patrick Forsyth, Heather Forsyth, Joe Forsyth, Katie Sallows, and Sammy Forsyth, as well as two great-grandchildren: Eva Clark and Jaxon Marrero.

Dad supported many charitable causes throughout his life, including St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House. If you wish to leave a memorial in his name, please consider one of them.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Wonderly Horavath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420.

A Graveside service will immediately follow visitation at St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the VFW and American Legion.

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