James Henry Forshee
March 17, 1945 ~ March 31, 2026
Born in: Blackwell, Oklahoma
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
James Henry Forshee, was born March 17, 1945, in Blackwell, Oklahoma. The family moved to Mulvane, Kansas where he attended Mulvane schools. He was active in band, musicals and football. Jim received a football scholarship to Southwestern College where he played varsity for two years. He married Diana Forshee (mother of his children) that summer and joined the U.S. Air Force where he served a tour in Vietnam. Jim finished college at Wichita State with a degree in Criminal Justice. He served on the Wichita Police Department as an officer, detective and SWAT team member. After retirement, he joined the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s department where he served as Assistant Range Master and Weapons Instructor.
Jim was a great sportsman, flying hot air balloons for 45 years. He loved snow skiing, water skiing, motorcycling and attempting golf.
Jim married Johanna in 1984 and they shared 42 wonderful years together. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and recent great grandfather.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Evelyn Forshee; brothers, Terry and Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Johanna; son, Tim (Elora); daughter, Rachel; grandson Austin; granddaughters, Meredith (Kolby Keeler), Stella Forshee; and great grandson, Houston Keeler.
Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Rosary will be 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, both on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
A memorial has been established with: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, Kansas 67202.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
Services
Visitation: Thursday, April 9, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Downing & Lahey West Mortuary
10515 W. Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
Rosary: Friday, April 10, 2026 10:00 am
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
Funeral Mass: Friday, April 10, 2026 10:30 am
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora
Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-4404
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in James Henry Forshee 's name.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
So sorry to hear about Jim. I will always remember how he came to our school with his balloon when we celebrated and remembered September 18th, 1787.
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was one of the greatest individuals to work with! He was also one good cop! We had many a good times at the range and I was always appreciative of his knowledge and work ethic. He will surely be missed! May the good lord wrap you and the family in his arms during this time!
I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. He was a 1963 classmate and a good friend to my husband and I. After graduation, paths always go in different directions, but I always loved the times when we met and shared life stories. Jim’s about ballooning were great.
Johanna, my prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I remember JIM quite fondly as our classmates. When we used to ride the bus to school and we thought the bus was pretty rickety so we had it set up when he got a drivers license He was going to drive us all to school. Well, we all got older and that really never happened, but it was a good thought when we were little ha ha. He was always so nice and I am very happy to have been a Mulvane classmate. Rest in peace and prayers for the family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. We are saddened by Jim’s passing and will miss the times we had together, especially hearing his distinctive laughter. May God bless you and your family!