A JOINT RESOLUTION Honoring the Life and Memory of James Summers "Jim" Forrester, SR., MD, Former Member of the General Assembly.
Whereas, James Summers "Jim" Forrester, Sr. was born on January 8, 1937, in Aberdeen, Scotland, to the late James Summers and Agnes "Nancy" McLennan Forrester of Glasgow, Scotland; and
Whereas, after the death of his father, Jim Forrester, age 11, and his mother, "Nancy," immigrated to the United States; settled in Wilmington, North Carolina, with sponsorship; and later applied for and received their citizenship; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington in 1954; earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wake Forest University in 1958; graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in 1962; completed his internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in 1963; received a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978; and was Board Certified in Preventive Medicine in 1984; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester operated a family medical practice in Stanley, North Carolina, for 46 years. He was a member of over 15 professional medical organizations during his career, and he served as the Medical Director at Brian Center Nursing Home and Peak's Nursing Home in Gaston County; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester was a past board member or president of over 16 community service organizations and received over 17 community service awards during his lifetime, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Jefferson Award for Community Service; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester served his country by flying air evacuation in the Vietnam War, served as a flight surgeon, and performed foreign medical missions in Central America during his military career. He was honored for his service and retired with the rank of Brigadier General with the North Carolina Air National Guard. Jim Forrester's illustrious military career spanned 34 years, and he received over 12 awards and medals for his service, including the Legion of Merit Award; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester served as a member of the North Carolina Senate from 1991 to 2011, during which time he served as Senate Minority Whip, Deputy Republican Leader of the Senate, Republican Leader of the Senate, Joint Republican Caucus Leader; and in 2011, Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester was a faithful member, Deacon, and Trustee of the First Baptist Church in Stanley; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester will be fondly remembered for his service and integrity, his devotion to his family and community, and his unwavering spirit in defending his country; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester died on October 31, 2011, at the age of 74, while serving as a member of the North Carolina Senate. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on March 26, 2012, with full military honors; and
Whereas, Jim Forrester is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Frances All Forrester; his three daughters, Wynn Forrester Maxwell and husband Michael C. Maxwell, MD; Gloria Forrester Lucioni and husband Marco Lucioni; Mary Paige Forrester Blalock and husband Thomas Blalock; and a son, James Summers Forrester, Jr., MD, and wife Teresa Fore Forrester. He is also survived by one sister, Lillian Forrester of Glasgow, Scotland, and eight grandchildren: William Henry Forrester Maxwell, John David Thomas Maxwell, Mary Martha McLennan Maxwell, Tomas Matias Lucioni, Daniel Lucas Lucioni, James Summers Forrester III, Amy Elizabeth Forrester, and William Tyler Forrester; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of James Summers "Jim" Forrester, Sr., MD, and expresses its appreciation for his accomplishments and for the great service he gave to the citizens of the United States, the State of North Carolina, and the citizens of Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Iredell, and Rutherford Counties.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of James Summers "Jim" Forrester, Sr. for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of James Summers "Jim" Forrester, Sr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.