Forbes – Ray James “Jim”, age 87, of South Brookfield, Queens County, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.
Born in Milton, Ontario, Jim was a son of the late George and Marion (Hilson) Forbes.
Jim loved antiques and art and spent most of his life employed as an auctioneer retiring in 2004, due to ill health. He was an artistic and creative person. Jim had the ability to find something that no one wanted or needed anymore and turn it into something beautiful. He was the most incredibly organized hoarder his dear family and friends have ever seen, he said “it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it”. Jim and Lorna enjoyed traveling around the country side going to different auctions and yard sales looking for his next find. He was truly one of a kind. We will all miss him dearly. If you were lucky enough to know Jim, you were family.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lorna (Klingbeil); daughters, Ladele (Jerry) Hawkins of Georgetown, Ontario, Tammy Howse of Fergus, Ontario; sons, Rick (Pam) of Everett, Ontario, David (Sobeia) of Illinois, U.S.A.; son-in-law, Ron McKee of Fergus, Ontario; grandchildren, Jenny, Jimmy, Amanda, Cory, Jason, Chuck, Rhonda, MacKenzie and Colby; many great grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by a daughter, Teresa McKee; sisters, Betty, Shirley; brother, George; and his faithful companion, Bubba.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral service at this time. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the South Shore Regional Hospital or to the I.W.K. Children’s Hospital. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Ron and Helen Shaw
Very sorry to hear about Jim He will be missed by those who loved him and all his family .
BJ
Lorna,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I’d heard many stories about Jim from Ron.
As Ron always said, Jim truly was “a one of a kind man” and Ron had the utmost respect for him. Jim will be missed as Ron’s “Father-in-Law”
Hugs to you and your family at this difficult time.
Hugs always from both of us,
BJ and Ron
Bertha
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing sincere condolences Lorna and family
Michelle Smith-
Dear Lorna,
I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Jim was unforgettable – sense of humour, honesty, and a lot of wisdom. My heart goes out to you and to your family. Sincere condolences to you all. I know Noah joins me in this; I’ve just sent him word. He treasures the crooked knife Jim gave him.
With love,
Michelle
Helen & David Fox
Sending condolences to all of Jim’s family. Such a wonderful personality May he rest in peace..
Elaine Frail
Lorna and family.
I got to know Jim many years ago. I treasured his expert advice and his knowledge of the value hidden in antiques. I have a an old kerosene lamp he rebuilt for me, and I use it every time the power goes off. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sue Kelly,
Dear Lorna,
On behalf of the NOVA SCOTIA FOLK ART FESTIVAL management committee, I would like to extend our sincere condolences in reading of Jim’s passing. You were both a fixture at the Festival in Lunenburg for so many years…JIm’s Roosters were legendary and grace many homes throughout North America…We were very sorry when you notified us that you would not be attending the Festival in 2015. We have missed you! Jim’s ability to see “something” in an old piece of “junk” put him in the category of FOLK ARTIST…he was creative, constructive and unassuming…It was always fun to see him coming in the door. May you and your family reflect on the many good times you have shared together…
SUE KELLY, Chair, NSFAF..Lunenburg, NS
Brooke Rhuland
Lorna, ever since I was 13 y.o I remember Jim always being so friendly to me and making me laugh uncontrollably. I am heartbroken to hear this news. Sending all the love from Pei
Hugs, Brooke & Luke xo
Georgie and Helen Uhlman
Lorna!
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was always a breath of fresh air! We really enjoyed his wit and humour.
Georgie and Helen Uhlman
Glen DeMond
Lorna, and family:
I was saddened to hear of Jim,s passing, It was only a few days ago you and I were chatting at the grocery store and I asked you how Jim was keeping, and you said holding his own. It can all happen so suddenly. It was very interesting for me to attend some of the auctions over which he presided, his expressions surely showed of his great interest in being the big part of it. Also our chats when we would meet were enjoyable. He will be missed in our community. With my sincere condolence.
Glen
Jacquie Lillycropp
RIP Uncle Jim. I remember how funny loving and caring you were when I was a kid. I loved you so much, I couldn’t wait to see you every time I knew you were coming to visit. You face said everything when you looked at them, how I have missed this over the years. Wish I could have seen you one last time, I thought about it all the time, but with kids life and everything thing that goes with it, time just flew by. I’d give anything to see you mom uncle George and Aunt Shirley. Love and miss you all. Until we meet again I will see all of you on the other side. Xoxo Jacquie Graham
Jeff Shaw
Rip Uncle Jim, Gonna miss you.
Connie Crouse
Dear Lorna and family
Although we have only known you and Jim for a few years, after reading his obituary I can say yes he would have been so good at that job.
He was always so happy when he came for jam or just to have a chat with Lloyd while you and I were talking away. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jeannette Lewis
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jims’s family He will be missed by all who knew him .My condolence Lorna
BEV AND FRED CURRIE
Our Deepest Condolences to Lorna and Family for your ;loss…its always a sad time for family to lose a loved i hope that it will help knowing you you willhave friends who feel your pain…we never are ready to accept the change in our livesbut rember GOOD-BYES ARE NOT FOREVER ..THEY ONLY MEAN WE ARE REALLY GOING TO MISS THEM ,TIL WE MEET AGAIN ….Fred and Bev Currie….Ontario
Richard & Christine Seldon
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed chatting with Jim. He had an extraordinary knowledge and would willingly share. I collected many of his knives. Our condolences to Lorna and the family.
Bonnie Mitton
So sorry to hear about Jim, he always had a story to tell me. Thinking of Lorna and the family.
Callie Uhlman
So sorry to see that Jim passed away Lorna and family…… You were definitely 2 peas in a pod!!
Sincere condolences to you Lorna and family.
Rob and Sandra Carver
Dear Lorna,
So sorry for your loss. We have a lovely dresser in our home that Jim refinished. It will always remind me of him and his artistic ability. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Diana
Dear Lorna, We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, our Condolences to you & your family. He will be missed. We have a lovely burl bowl to remember him by. Do take care.
Diana & Dennis
Clare Blyth
So sorry to hear about Jimmy. I met him last last year in Blockhouse while renovating my store and he was selling his wares next to me. Always a smile, a story and an exchange of treasures between us. He is much missed.
Gail Jollimore
Omg Lorna hunnie, I’m just seeing this. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was one of a kind. I will miss him so. I always called him Jimbo when I seen him. He always put a smile on my face. sending lots of love and hugs. RIP my dear friend
Kim and Kell Sloan
Our deepest condolences to Lorna and family. To say that Jim was a character would be an understatement and though we moved away from South Brookfield some time ago, we surely miss Jim.