Obituaries
James T. Forsha, 91
April 26, 1930 - August 01, 2021
James T. “Forsh” Forsha, 91, a retired teacher and coach from Manheim Central School District, and most recently a resident of Lititz, passed comfortably and peacefully from natural causes with family surrounding him on Sunday, August 1, 2021. Born in Blairstown, PA, he was the son of Harry L. and Viola Ruth (Kelly) Forsha. Jim was the beloved husband of Regina (Mayer) Forsha, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage last November.
Jim attended Johnstown (PA) High School where he was a three-sport standout, graduating with the Class of 1948. While serving as a plumber’s assistant, he and his twin brother Jack enlisted in the Air Force—the only service branch that promised to keep them together— where they both honorably served during the Korean conflict. Based 12 miles from North Korea for 10 months, Jim was eventually awarded a Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. While in Korea, he served in a special squadron called the “Mosquitos,” later immortalized with animated accolades produced by syndicated newspapers.
Jim attended Air Force Technical Training School at Ohio State University, becoming a drill instructor and attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. Being assigned to Bolling Field in Washington, DC, he played football and baseball for the Bolling Field Generals. In football, Jim was a starting offensive guard on a team composed of former college and pro football players; two of the Generals’ games were telecast on NBC.
Following discharge from the Air Force in 1954, Jim attended Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania) where he graduated in 3 ½ years with degrees in Social Studies and Geography. While at IUP he played football as an offensive guard and middle linebacker. In his senior year, he was named one of the tri-captains of what are now known as the Crimson Hawks.
Following graduation, Jim taught Social Studies and coached football and baseball at Bedford High School, Bedford, PA, for six years. His baseball teams won three straight county championships, losing just two games over those seasons.
In 1964 the family moved to Manheim, PA, when Jim was hired at Manheim Central as a Social Studies teacher and Assistant Football Coach. He coached through the 1974 season, along the way earning his Masters Degree from Temple University (1969). He took a brief change of coaching jobs in 1965-66, coaching football and baseball at Franklin and Marshall College, but returned to Manheim Central when he was named Head Football Coach. In 1973, he led the Barons to their first Lebanon-Lancaster League football championship with an 8-1-1 record, generally considered the beginning of the Manheim Central football dynasty. While at Central he also coached JV baseball for 10 years.
As a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Lancaster, Jim was involved in running the Alpha Program and helped to introduce it to St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Manheim. More recently he became a member of Lancaster Church of the Brethren.
In his leisure time, Jim became an avid golfer, upon retirement taking many “golf vacations” all over the United States with wife Jean, brother Jack and his wife, Billie, and assorted friends. He started the game only in his late 40’s, but became a single-handicap player.
Along with his wife, Jim is survived by three children: Joyce Pfautz, married to Steven Pfautz, of Manheim; Janice Bellman of Elkhart, IN; and James D. Forsha of Jersey City, NJ. He was preceded in death by daughter Deborah Weaver, brother Jack, and sister Betty Rose. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jeremy Weaver; Erin Manning, married to Justin Manning; Michelle Current, married to Jeffrey Current; Chaz Bellman, married to Kaitlyn Bellman; and Chayla Bellman. The newest addition to the family is great-grandson Ace James Bellman.
Family and friends are invited to attend services to celebrate Jim’s life which will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, 17543, where a viewing will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
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Condolences to the Family
August 10, 2021
Jean & Family,
I have very fond memories of Jim as my teacher, coach, neighbor, customer and friend. He was always a pleasure to be around. We’re so sorry for your loss. Jeff & Pam Ibach
August 08, 2021
So enjoyed him as a person and a teacher. You are unforgettable, Mr. Forsha.
Heather Drumm Lee
August 08, 2021
Condolences to the Forsha family, Mr.Forsha was my 8th grade history teacher, he was one of those hard to replace teachers, for a kid with a learning disability and A.D.D, he had my attention. RIP
Jeff Good
August 08, 2021
My condolaences to the family. I graduated with young Jim. Mr. Forsha will always be Coach Forsha. I was privelaged to be able to play for him and his coaching staff. He was the start of power house Manheim Central football. Never had him as a teacher but what an awesome coach. Again, my condolaences to the family. Jeff and Heidi Brown
August 08, 2021
Mr. Forsha was one of the beat teachers I ever had. Friendly and kind, but with high expectations. I am grateful to have had him and I will always remember him. My sincere condolences to his family.
August 08, 2021
One of the best teachers I had at Manheim Central. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bob West class of 70. MCHS
August 08, 2021
I first met Jim when coaching with Al Brooks at Donegal. Little did I know at that he had come to Lancaster County from Bedford. I grew up in Everett. My father, Kermit Norris Jr., knew both brothers very well. I retired from public education from the Donegal School District in 2004.
Everyone liked and respected Jim as both a wonderful person and a great coach.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Kermit “Doc” Norris
Lancaster
August 08, 2021
My condolences to the entire Forsha family. Mr. Forsha was one my teachers in Manheim. He was a great educator. I was in the same graduating class as his son Jim. My sympathy and prayers going out to all of you. Mr. Forsha was truly one of the best teachers and coaches. Manheim Central was blessed to have him. Desiree Earhart Brown
August 08, 2021
Sorry I can’t be there to give the family a hug. I thank Mr. F for his service to our country. What a great teacher, loved his laugh. Once he took my seat and allowed me to be teacher. I got to call him Jimmy! He always called me Joni, well because Jonita was just too hard to remember. Sincere sympathy to the entire Forsha family.
Jonita Jo Dutt Bires
August 06, 2021
I consider myself very fortunate to be a colleague of Jim as a teacher and administrator at Manheim Central Junior High School. Jim’s sense of humor and friendly smile allowed him to have great rapport with his students. One of his favorite routines was tossing “invisible coins” into the air and catching them in a paper bag. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to Jean and her family. – Ed Kiehl
August 06, 2021
Uncle Jim will truly be missed for his great sense of humor and big smile. I can’t think of any time spent with him and not having a good laugh or hearing an interesting story. And what a great husband and soulmate to my dear Aunt Jean–their life is a beautiful love story. I will always cherish the fond memories of you, Uncle Jim. May you Rest In Peace. Your loving niece, Patricia Gerlitzki
- Visitation
- Tuesday, August 10, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Tuesday, August 10, 2021
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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