James "Jim" Ishmael Forest

Mr. James “Jim” Ishmael Forest, age 85 of Pilot Mountain passed away on Wednesday May 8, 2024, at his home.  Mr. Forest was born on November 24, 1938, in Forsyth County to the late Ellis Reid Forest, Sr. and Anna Mae Robertson Forest.  Mr. Forest retired from the US Air Force after 20 years of service as a Tech Sergeant.  Jim began his career at RJR Dental Care where he worked as Purchasing Manager . He then   decided to become a business owner and started the first of several Assisted Living Homes. He continued building this legacy for 25 years before he retired. But Jim’s life-long love was Basketball. He played for Mount Airy High School. He then played and coached throughout his military career. While raising his children, he devoted many weeknights and Saturdays coaching Rec Ball.  Later on, he was able to return to Mount Airy High School to coach. He coached there for 17 years and was able to touch so many lives. Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Vicki Ann Tysinger Forest; three children and spouses, Maizi Marie Forest Chilton and Grant, Joshua Robertson Forest and Tanya, and Katherine Lynette Forest Huffman and Ikey; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; sister, Sue Ann Forest Goin and fiancé Erin Lambert; brother, Ellis Reid Forest, Jr. and Deirdre; his best buddy Bentley, and several other family and friends.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Forest was preceded in death by a son, Scotty Forest.  Funeral service will be held Monday May 13, 2024, at 2:00pm at Amazing Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Barker officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pilot Mountain City Cemetery. Jim will be lying in state at Moody Funeral Home from Saturday after 4:00p.m. through Sunday evening for those that wish to pay their respects.  Full military rites will be performed by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the VFW Memorial Honor Guard Pilot Mountain Post 9436 and Mount Airy Post 2019.  The family will receive friends on Monday May 13, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00pm at Amazing Grace Baptist Church.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is assisting the Forest family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Amazing Grace Baptist Church.