James M Forney

James Merton Forney of Roseburg passed away peacefully on April 22nd surrounded by his family and friends.  He was born in Osceola, IA to John and Ruth Forney. Jim and his family later moved to Roseburg when he was very young. In 1958, Jim graduated from Roseburg High School and continued to live in Roseburg for the rest of his life.
In 1959, Jim married Gloria Jean Lian and they had two children together, John and Jodie.  After he and Gloria divorced, Jim dated Sharon Vale Helliwell who he ultimately married in 1969. Sharon had three children: Tony, Brian and Diana who Jim dearly loved as step-father.  After Gloria passed in 1976, John, Jodie, Tony, Brian and Diana were joined under one roof where they melded into one family.
Jim’s first employer was Roseburg Forest Products where he started as a Spreader.  Not long after starting there, he was promoted to Foreman.  Jim later became a route salesman for Patty Day and then transferred that experience to Olympia Distributors where he worked for several years. In 1982, Jim and his wife Sharon became co-owners of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant until sold and they reinvested in Granny’s Hut at the Old Hwy 99 Junction.  They sold Granny’s Hut then Paul Jackson hired Jim to work as a salesman until it was bought by Harbor Wholesale.  Soon after, Jim partially retired, continuing to work part-time for Harbor Wholesale. Jim fully retired in January 2018.
During his working life, Jim enjoyed the outdoors; golfing, camping, hunting and fishing.  He also loved to travel to Kauai, HI and most recently, Palm Desert with his friend and travelling companion, Beverly Parks.  Jim was a familiar face at Stewart Park Golf Course where he participated in Men’s League.  He served a number of years as league President and Treasurer.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Forney, his first wife Gloria Forney and his step-daughter Diana Sheridan.
Jim is survived by his son John Forney (Kelly), daughter Jodie Hanan (Mitch), Brian Helliwell (Angela) and Tony Helliwell (Michelle).  He has 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Jim was loved by many and the family requests those who knew him to join us in celebration of his life.  Services will be on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Vine Street Baptist Church located at 2152 NE Vine Street in Roseburg where Jim was baptized.  Services will begin at 11:00am.
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