John Basil “JB” Forbes, Jr.
May 30, 1952-April 29, 2021
John Basil “JB” Forbes, Jr., of Louisa, VA passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the age of 68. Born on May 30,1952 in Rockville, MD to John and Billy (Wilma) Forbes he was the youngest brother to four older sisters.
After graduating high school, he did a short stint in college but then opted for life experiences over formal education. He headed to Alaska to help build the Alaskan Oil Pipeline. Upon his return he started his family with the birth of his much-loved son Dan. With Dan a college graduate and on his way to follow his own path, JB spent some years living abroad. Upon his return stateside he resumed his construction profession.
JB enjoyed a 50-year career in the commercial and residential construction industry and was well respected for his commitment, hard work, and integrity with every project he undertook. After retirement, he continued to enjoy his love of building with various projects at the home he and his wife, Patricia, created together.
JB had a sharp wit and brilliant sense of humor, and his stories were always engaging and thought-provoking. He had a lifelong passion for history of any kind and could recall events and details which invariably impressed, and often amused, those within earshot. This keen interest led to the study of genealogy, a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed. He delighted in assisting family and friends to discover their ancestry. He also had been an avid civil war history buff for many years, happily sharing his knowledge and taking interesting trips with his enthusiastic grandson, Eli.
Family meant everything to JB. He relished being the father of his bright and beautiful boy, Dan, who grew to be a wonderful man. He was exceedingly proud of him for his numerous accomplishments and of the loving father he has become. JB and Patricia loved having his grandkids visit and delighted in those special times together!
JB is survived by his cherished wife and best friend, Patricia (Percy), his son, Dan, wife Teresa and four grandchildren, Seth, Eli, Sofia, and Mackenzie, his sisters Kat, Karyn, Candy, and Angel, and Patricia’s children and grandchildren.
JB was a kind and sincere man, always generous with his time, talent, and resources with anyone who asked. He was a deeply loved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend and will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
I just can’t believe my brother is gone. I’m heartbroken that a man with so much to live for was taken from Patricia and his family too too soon. He will always be in my heart. Patricia, I hold you in my heart as well as your now learn life without your loving husband.
I’m so very sorry for your loss Tricia. Every moment I spent with John was life-affirming and stimulating. His wit and wisdom was a joy to engage with. I always felt his caring concern and his willingness to help in any way he could. God be with you and the family as you heal from this sad tragedy.
My heart is so sad! Uncle John was a very kind and loving man. Aunt Mary, Danny, Patricia, Theresa and of course the Grandkids, siblings and friends..my love and prayers are with you!
Heart breaking. Loved my brother and will miss him. He was so happy to have a wonderful marrage. He will be missed terribly.
I had the distinct honor and pleasure to work with John for the past two years. He was always very gracious with me and always showed me generous respect. I knew him briefly, but as an extremely hard-working, conscientious man. Selfishly, I was sad when he retired because he was a wonderful part of our Branch Team. It is absolutely heart breaking that his retirement was far too short. Prayers for you, his beloved family.
My prayers are with my sister Patty and all of John’s family. John’s passion for ancestry helped us find out a lot about our family. He was always willing to do the research and he even printed our whole family tree for us. He was so easy to talk with and his smile was contagious. I know that he will be in your heart always, Patty.
JB is one of the very few people in this world with such a huge and kind heart! His gentleness and strength were abundantly evident to all those around him. My heart aches when thinking of a world without him and words cannot describe how sad I am about this sudden loss. I feel so fortunate that my life was blessed by knowing JB. He was so much more than just a father in law to me; he welcomed me in the family and he made me feel like his daughter. After being in this country for only a few years with much to learn, I fondly remember how he showed me so much patience and took the time to teach me many new things like driving a stick shift car as well as using many household tools. His passion for history was contagious and his willingness to talk on so many topics created many fond memories. His generous spirit and his love showed his true devotion to family. My deepest sympathies to Patricia, Dan, and the grandchildren – sympathies and prayers to the entire family! And JB, we are so comforted knowing you are in Heaven with God and that you are continuing to pray for us!
To Patricia and Family
We were so very fortunate to connect with JB and Patricia at my mom’s 90th birthday party- 6 years ago.
My mom ( Dreda Forbes Cassidy) and her family were so grateful to JB and Patricia for coming to her party. JB shared his work on researching the family ancestry which we all appreciated! It was so nice to meet him and to share that time with he and Patricia. We are so sorry that his life was cut short and that he was taken from Patricia and his family so soon. My mom and Our family ( Forbes-Cassidy) Send their love and condolences during this sad time.