James "Jim" Alvin Forney

Retired Area Building Contractor Korean War Era Veteran James A. Forney of the Bellmead Apartments/Presbyterian Senior Network, formally of Avella, was received by His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 20, 2022 in the Donnell House, Washington, PA. He was born January 8, 1933 in Boalsburg, Centre Co., PA, a son of the late Daniel C. and Ila L. Cummins Forney. He was a graduate of Hickory High School with the 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 the Lord Jesus Christ, his family, Bible studies, and gardening brought him much joy and happiness. He was a member of the Hickory UP 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 besides 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, PA; seven Grandchildren, Joel J. (Michelle) Halmi of Pittsburgh, Rachel L. (David) Vandergraft, Alycia A. (Justin) Dorsey, all of Avella; Marshall J. Forney, of Imperial, PA; Amanda R. (Alan) Wild of Valencia, PA; Jacob R. Trudeau of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Kaleb R. (Rachael) Trudeau of Altoona, PA; six great grandchildren Jordan Halmi, Elias Vandergraft, twins Brylin and Jaxton Dorsey, Liam Trudeau, and Mason Wild; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a daughter in law Janet Forney. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents are a son, Randy A. Forney on January 25, 2021; a daughter, Cynthia Lee Forney, on March 7, 1964; and a granddaughter, Ashley K. Bruce, August 21, 2004. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Washington City Mission, Washington, PA or a charity of your choice that helps others in need. Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA, where services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. 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.