James Perry Forsyth's Obituary
James Perry Forsyth lost a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 83. He was born in River Falls, WI on Dec. 31, 1927 to the late Perry and Mary Jane Forsyth. He graduated from New Richmond High School in 1945, and four years later enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit. After attending electronics technician school and basic submarine school, he was assigned to the USS Remora SS 487 in San Diego. In early 1952 he was selected to be a part of the engineering crew of the USS Nautilus SSN 571, the first nuclear submarine. In 1957 he was selected for OCS and was commissioned as an Ensign in August of that year. His first tour as an Ensign was aboard the USS Bashaw SSK 241 in San Diego, and later Pearl Harbor. Later in 1957 Jim was assigned to the USS Gudgeon SS 567 and made an eight month cruise around the world. From there he was assigned to the Officers Nuclear Power School and then to the commissioning crew of the USS Ethan Allen SSBN 608, Blue Crew. Next was on to Engineer Officer of the USS Tullibee SSN 597, the Executive Officer of the USS John Marshall SSBN 611, Blue Crew, the Commanding Officer of the Casimir Pulaski SSBN 633 Gold, and Commander of the USS Francis Scott Key SSBN 657 Gold. Jim rounded out his career as the Commander Submarine Division 23, and in February 1979 he retired as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Submarine Support facility in New London, CT. After his retirement he moved to the Leesburg area in 1992 where he was the co-owner of J&B Books in downtown Leesburg, and was one of the founding members of the Leesburg Partnership, where he also served as the original design chairman. James also loved photography, and being outdoors, whether he was gardening, fishing, or canoeing, he loved the outdoors. In his spare time he also loved to work on clocks, and enjoyed making jewelry. James is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Beverly (Creaser) Forsyth of Leesburg, FL, three sons; Michael (Robin) Klavon of Orlando, FL , Andrew Klavon of Leesburg, FL , and Jeffrey (Stacie) Klavon of Westminster, MD. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Liam, Logan, Luke, Christian, Liam and Dalton, as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, one son; Stephen Forsyth, and daughter Patricia Furey, one brother and two sisters. James was also a good friend of Bill Wilson for over 42 years. There will be a visitation for Mr. Forsyth on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the page-Theus Funeral Home. Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to the Leesburg Partnership. Page Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Leesburg, Florida has been entrusted with all arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?