Dr. James E. Forbes

Dr. James Eldon Forbes was born in Jefferson, Iowa on February 13, 1945 to Charles H. Forbes and Norma Jean Forbes, both of Jefferson.  He was baptized at St. Joseph’s church in Jefferson and spent his childhood/teenage years in various parts of the mid-west including Ames, IA, St. Louis, MO, and Barrington, IL. His father’s profession in agricultural advertising brought many adventures as the family would hop in their plane to fly to cities across the mid-west.

As a young man Jim enjoyed pursuing his interests: school sports (track/football), aviation, playing guitar in his band, and his membership in the car club “The Injectors.”  Following graduation from high school Jim attended college at Culver Stockton College where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.  He then attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa where he met lifelong friends and made many memories preparing to become a Doctor of Chiropractic, a profession he was dedicated to and deeply proud of.

Following graduation he “headed west” to start a life and practice in Southern California.  He lived in Orange County and was married. Two children were born- a son, Christian James and a daughter, Milissa Jean.  The family moved north to Visalia, California where Dr. Forbes established a successful practice and was an active member of the community. Following a divorce, Dr. Forbes was the primary caregiver to his two children, while balancing his chiropractic practice and involvement in the community.  He was an active member of the Lion’s Club chapter and Experimental Aviation Association (EAA). Many weekends were spent at the Tulare County Airport or attending airshows at the Lemoore Naval Air Station with his two children in tow.

Once his children were grown he returned to his roots in Jefferson, Iowa and opened up a chiropractic office. He continued his involvement with the Lion’s Club and served a term as Jefferson Chamber of Commerce President.  He retired from chiropractic medicine and took the job of Airport Commissioner at the Greene County Airport. He was committed to the runway extension project, believing in what it can do for the community.

Dr. Forbes died June 13, 2023 at his home in Jefferson.  He was 78 years of age.  He is survived by his sister Kathleen Salmen, brother-in-law Rich Salmen, brother David Forbes, sister-in-law Debbie Forbes, son Christian James Forbes, daughter Milissa Jean Banister, son-in-law Jeffrey Banister and three grandchildren- Faith Banister, Noah Banister and Liberty Banister. 

Dr. James Forbes will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to helping others, whether it was through chiropractic medicine, his volunteerism or retirement job as the Airport Commissioner in Jefferson. 

Memorial services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, IA.

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Born: February 13, 1945 – Jefferson, Iowa

Died: June 13, 2023 – Jefferson, Iowa

Age: 78 Years

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023, St. Joseph Catholic Church – Jefferson, Iowa

Mass Celebrated By: Fr. Bill Schreiber, St. Joseph Catholic Church – Jefferson, Iowa

Funeral Luncheon and Visitation Immediately following this Service, Everyone is Invited - St. Joseph’s Parish Center – Jefferson, Iowa

Private Interment: At a Future Date, St. Joseph’s Cemetery – Jefferson, Iowa