Jimmy McMillan Forbes

Commander Jimmy McMillian Forbes Jr.

September 13, 1945 to May 31, 2023

Jimmy McMillan Forbes, Jr. was born in Kansas City, KS to Jimmy McMillan Forbes, Sr. and Claire Amanda Forbes on September 13, 1945. Jimmy Jr. with siblings Kent and Diane Forbes and family later moved to Colorado Springs where Jimmy Jr(Jim) attended Palmer High School. While attending Palmer High School, Jim met a group of missionaries, still known today as the Navigators. At that time, Jim gave his heart to Jesus and his new life began serving the Lord. After that, Jim went on to attend Colorado University in Boulder, CO. There he received his Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In 1968, Jim left CU and entered the Navy to begin his Naval Aviation career in flying F-4 Phantoms and F-14 Tomcats. While serving on the U.S.S. Midway in the mid 70’s, Jim met Haydie C. Johnsonbaugh, a Navy widowed mother of two teenaged girls, Belinda and Tracy Johnsonbaugh. In 1976 Jim and Haydie were married by the Navigators in Yokosuka Japan. The following year, daughter Amanda May Forbes was born. Jim’s Naval career continued with flying over 200 missions off the U.S.S. Midway, performing 550 carrier landings, instructing, and went on to become the Development Director & Coordinator of the Top Gun curriculum. After years of residing in San Diego during his military career, Jim retired. In 2021, Jim moved to Sierra Vista, AZ to help tend to his elderly mother and be closer to family. On the evening of May 31, 2023, the Lord called Jim home. Jim is preceded by his brother Kent Forbes and sister Diane Zoretic, as well as his daughter Amanda Forbes-Slaven and grandson Jesse Forbes. In addition, he is preceded by his former spouse Haydie Forbes, along with daughters Belinda Redbird and Tracy Gutierrez, and grandchildren Jason Howard, Nina Howard, and Tiffany Rudell. Jim’s passing has impacted many people from coast to coast. Jim was an inspiration to all and dedicated his life not only to serving his country, but most importantly serving the Lord. Whether someone had a nickel to their name or a million, there was no difference in Jim’s eyes. He was on a mission...a mission to give aide to God’s people, to take in the down and out, and to minister to the lost. Jim will always be remembered, loved, and missed by those who knew him, but one thing is for sure...his legacy will carry on.

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

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