James A. Forney, of the Bellmead Apartments / Presbyterian Senior Network, formally of Avella, was received by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, January 20, 2022, in the Donnell House, Washington. He was born January 8, 1933, in Boalsburg, Centre County, a son of the late Daniel C. and Ila L. Cummins Forney.
A graduate of Hickory High School Class of 1951, he was a retired building contractor of over 45 years, with the first part of his career working in a partnership with his father and brother, Daniel L. Forney as DC Forney & Sons, and the later portion was in a partnership with his son, Randy A. Forney as Forney Construction.
Jim’s love of his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, Bible studies, and gardening brought him much joy and happiness. He was a member of the Hickory United Presbyterian Church and the Highland Brethren Church. He enjoyed music, having played the alto saxophone in several marching and concert bands, and in several church groups. He also participated in several mission trips to Haiti and Guatemala. In retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling abroad on many trips and cruises.
He was a veteran of the Korean War era, and served as a corporal in the 9th Signal Co. and 9th Infantry Division during the Occupation of Germany, 1953-1955.
On November 15, 1953, he married the love of his life, companion, and best friend, his surviving spouse of 68 years, Delilah M. Miller. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Delilah, are two daughters, Sandra K. (Donald) Bruce of Avella, and Connie S. (Alan) Courson of Cranberry Township; his brother, Daniel L. Forney of Hickory; seven grandchildren, Joel J. (Michelle) Halmi of Pittsburgh, Rachel L. (David) Vandergraft and Alycia A. (Justin) Dorsey, all of Avella, Marshall J. Forney of Imperial, Amanda R. (Alan) Wild of Valencia, Jacob R. Trudeau of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Kaleb R. (Rachael) Trudeau of Altoona; six great-grandchildren, Jordan Halmi, Elias Vandergraft, twins Brylin and Jaxton Dorsey, Liam Trudeau and Mason Wild; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a daughter-in-law, Janet Forney.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a son, Randy A. Forney January 25, 2021; a daughter, Cynthia Lee Forney March 7, 1964; and a granddaughter, Ashley K. Bruce August 21, 2004.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Washington City Mission, Washington, or a charity of one’s choice that helps others in need.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 27. Military rites will be accorded, at the funeral home, by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.
Due to anticipated weather conditions, all services will conclude at the funeral home.
A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHomes.com.
Published by Observer-Reporter on Jan. 24, 2022.
