Obituary: Forster, James E.
CMSGT (Ret) USAF, aka “Chief”
Passed away on June 3, 2012 in Spokane Valley, Washington.
James was born in Glen Elder, Kansas on April 5, 1925.
He joined the Army Air Corps and bravely served his country as a tail gunner on a B-17 during WWII, completing 33 missions with the 388th Bomb Wing while in the European Theater.
He distinguished himself by winning the coveted Honor Student Award at the Fifteenth Air Force NCO Academy; the Award is presented to the man who scores highest in leadership ability, scholastic achievement and voted on by the 113 members of his class.
He served a full military career of 27 years, becoming the first Chief Master at Fairchild Air Force Base, earning him the nickname “Chief”.
Toward the end of his Air Force career he was consistorial candidate for Chief of the Air Force.
He married his late wife Lucille Shultz in 1951.
Together they shared four children, John, Carol, Dudley and Robert.
James had a fond love of spending time with friends and family, helping those in need, square dancing and motorcycle riding.
During his retirement years he enjoyed traveling and sightseeing in his motor home.
After James wife Lucille passed, he found love again with Phyllis Stagman, remarried in 2006 and welcomed two more sons Jim and Bill to his family.
James leaves behind many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He is survived by three living sisters Irene, Dot, and Joy.
Seven siblings preceded Jim in death.
He will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 12:00-3:00 pm at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Intersection Church, 905 North McDonald Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, followed by a light luncheon at the church.
Jim will be laid to rest Monday, June 11th at 1PM with full military honors at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Hospice of Spokane and The American Cancer Society.