Forrest, James H.

James H. Forrest A long time resident of the 
Lakewood area, James Harold Forrest passed away 
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at the age of 93. He was born 
in Salem, Oregon on January 7, 1917 to Harold and 
Josie Forrest. James served his country for over 30 
years beginning with the National Guard for 3 years 
and then the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of three 
conflicts: WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He 
was honored to be the 2nd person promoted to the 
rank of Sergeant Major. Upon his retirement, he 
worked 10 years for the State of Washington at 
Western State Hospital. He organized and ran the 
hospitals liaison department between patients who 
were veterans and the Veterans Administration. James 
was active in Masonry. He was a life member of 
several Masonic organizations as well as the Shrine. 
He was a Past Master of Lakewood Lodge #304 and 
served in several positions for the Masonic Grand 
Lodge of Washington. James was an avid sportsman 
and outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and camping, 
often taking his family into the foothills and 
mountains of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. He was 
an outstanding and sought after fast pitch softball 
pitcher once pitching two no hitters in one afternoon 
resulting in a newspaper write up. Also an avid 
bowler, at one point he bowled in up to 5 leagues a 
week. James is survived by Frances, his loving wife of 
68 years; 4 of his children Gail Dauner, James Forrest 
Jr., Toni Moreno and Douglas Forrest; 9 
grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great-
great grandchild. James will always be remembered 
as a man who would do or give anything to help his 
family or others. He will be greatly missed by all of 
us. We love you Dad and hope that you are at peace 
now. Rest and we will all see you soon. The grave 
side services will be held at The New Tacoma 
Cemetery on Monday, May 3 at noon. Please sign our 
online guestbook at www.newtacoma.com .

Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on April 30, 2010