James Charles La Forge
James Charles La Forge, 66, a resident of North Fort Myers, formerly of Montclair, N.J., passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 in Cape Coral of esophageal cancer. He was born August 10, 1955 in Paterson, NJ to the late Russell and Marjorie La Forge.
Jim was a graduate of Cornell University and Fordham Law School. He was a law clerk to the Honorable Frederic Gordon Weber of the Superior Court of New Jersey before embarking on a twenty-five plus year career at the New York law firm Chadbourne & Parke LLP, known there as an outgoing and cheerful colleague. Among his many accomplishments, Jim also served as a volunteer firefighter for Colesville, N.J.
Jim will always be remembered for his patience, compassion, persistence, wittiness, loyalty, and love. He enjoyed spending his time fishing at Beaver Lake, skiing in Vermont and Colorado, and watching the Yankees and Giants play while sipping on a glass of Merlot.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Deborah; his daughter and fiancé, Brittany and Josh; his daughter and husband Abigail and Ben; his two brothers and their wives, Thomas and Marianne and John and Jane; six nieces and nephews, ten grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as Snickers the dog and Tilly and Chilly, the cats.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date in New Jersey.
Memorial contributions in memory of James La Forge are suggested to the family, the American Cancer Society or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.
My uncle Jimmy was special to me – he encouraged me to go to law school and was role model as a lawyer. He had a great sense of humor and I’ll never forget the time he and aunt Debbie just showed up at our vacation in Canada! It was so spontaneous and fun. They were a fun loving couple! Jim adored his two beautiful daughters and was so proud of their accomplishments. He is gone far too soon and will be missed by all who knew him.
In the summer of ‘70 my friends and I stalked Jimmy on his exploits around Packanack. At 12, little girls did those things. He and his pack ignored us. At 13, that’s what little boys did. In the winter of ‘78, I started dating one of those guys, but only after being vetted by Jim and Deb. In the summer of 81, Jim and Deb, Dave and me all were married. Too many memories to count, Jimmy at the center, blue eyes piercing until he knew exactly what I’d be trying to say, smiling contentedly from a lawn chair on the dock, orchestrating adventures, laughing with abandon, patiently showing all our kids how to bait a hook or how to motor across the lake.
Dear Jim, I’m better for knowing you.
Keep watching over us from a lawn chair in heaven.
Jim was an amazing friend and neighbor. He was always upbeat and ready for fun. He was a kind heart and gentle soul. I will miss him!❤️
My Dear James. I guess I’ve known you just about forever. Started up with my sister Bette marrying your brother Tom ! Wow. Such a long time ago. We all had so much fun together and you and Debbie were just meant to be. You guys would come to Westfield or we’d go to Wayne. You’ll be missed and I’m saying that in a purely selfish way. Our families won’t be the same, but what fabulous memories. Say hi to everyone up there I’m beginning to think it’s more fun on the other side so many great people and now one more. Bon Voyage James LaForge
I love you
I remember Jim and Debbie on their wedding day and how truly happy they were. Bright Smiles laughter cheerfulness. Always remember the best of times.
The scriptures tell us that our lives are like that of a mist here today , gone tomorrow, it is what we do with that life that matters. Jimmy accomplished much…..he loved my dear friend and together they made a family….there will always be a remnant of that.
So sad to hear the news about Jim. We will always remember those many happy days on Chester Rd where Jim, more often than not, was the instigator of the fun. Love to Debbie and the “girls”.
Anne and Dick
Jim will always be Mr President of the Chester Road Association to me. I have fond memories of Jim presiding over block parties, progressive suppers, and advocating with local politicians to support our street. Debbie you and Jim were a dynamic duo. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Remembering Jim as a man of integrity, great storyteller with a glint in his eyes 🙏
I’ll always remember our Summer “Power Lunches” at the Rainbow Room!! Uncle Jimmy was the ultimate host- generous, witty and always so loving. We will all miss you so much, but we are so thankful to have been able to watch you give Abby away in Hilton Head. ❤️. Much love to Debbie, Brittany and Abby.💕💕
Happy happy birthday, Dad. We love and miss you, always.
Uncle Jimmy was always funny and smiling, I think he impacted my humor a lot. In any situation, he’d be smiling and have a joke to tell. I hope I can be that way, too! Uncle Jimmy was an intelligent, kind, and loving man. He took so much pride in seeing how amazing and successful his daughters are. He will be missed, but I know he’s in good company now.
I miss you everyday, dad. Thank you for being the best dad. You taught Abby and me so much. We will always carry you in our hearts. I love you. Xoxo ❤️❤️❤️
James C LaForge was just talking about you to Sharon Thornton wondering if you and Deb would come to 50th reunion. Found out the hard way you were gone. Google.You were my friend forever..Every Christmas you would come with the Matuse. Never had the heart to tell you I didn’t drink it. Then I fell in like like with you but you always had another girl. I think it was better we stayed friends. We may have lost touch over a few years but I’ve been trying to find you with no luck. Couldn’t ask for a sweeter,kinder caring guy. Those baby blues always with a twinkle of mischief. Debbie I’m sorry for you and your girls. I know Jimmy is watching over you and one day at a time your pain will lesson. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.🙏🐦
Jimmy LaForge. May You Soar The Universe Until We All Meet To Love And Laugh Again; Counsellor. Amen.
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in
my heart) I am never without it (anywhere
I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) I want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)
by E.E. Cummings