Memorial
Jim “Bub” Forrest, 94, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Cottage Grove Place.
Services will be held Saturday, November 25, 2017, 10:30 am, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be Friday, November 24, 2017, 4:00 -7:00 pm, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
A lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, he was born August 23, 1923 to Scotch-Irish immigrant parents, James B. Forrest and Annie Wallace Forrest. After his 1941 graduation from Roosevelt High School, he attended the University of Iowa and served in the US Navy. He then followed in his father’s and brother’s footsteps as a bricklayer. Jim later worked in sales, and as an independent agent established Jim Forrest Insurance Agency which he owned until his retirement in 1983.
Jim met Arlene Burmeister while at a dance, something they both loved to do. They married March 19, 1951 in New Hampton, Iowa. They worked side by side and enjoyed many winters in Florida playing golf with cherished friends. Jim was an avid Hawkeye basketball and Cubs fan. He and Arlene moved to Cottage Grove Place in 2006 where Jim was a founding member of the “4:30 Club”. Additionally he was a 32nd degree Mason and held membership in the El Kahir Shrine, Elks, Lions, and American Legion clubs.
Jim is survived by daughters Dianne (Dr. Paul) Ruggle of Newton, Iowa; Susan Forrest of Prairie Village, Kansas; Julie (Dr. Kurt) Muehlebach of Kansas City, Missouri; 5 grandchildren Dr. Adam Ruggle of Phoenix, Arizona; Dr. Brian Ruggle (Dr. Melissa King) of Manhattan, Kansas; Forrest, Mary Claire and Lily Muehlebach of Kansas City, Missouri.
Jim was preceded in death by Arlene, his wife of 58 years; his parents; siblings and their spouses: William (Marie) Forrest, Mary (Bill) Diehl, and Kathleen Forrest in childhood.
Though seeming gruff on the outside, he was a devoted husband, caring father, and fun-loving friend. He also had a nickname for just about everyone! He will be remembered fondly and missed by all who knew him. We love you Dad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: El Kahir Transportation Fund PO Box 38, Hiawatha, IA 52233.