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1411 North Howe Street
Southport, North Carolina
James Forstner Obituary
AIKEN - Dr. James Robert Forstner, known to many as Bob, departed this life Monday, May 29, 2017, in the early afternoon at Lower Cape Fear Hospice at Bolivia. His death at age 70 ended an extended and determined battle with cancer, which he fought with dignity and grace.Bob was born January 9, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, to James Lee and Emily (Lipford) Forstner of Canoga Park, California. After brief years there and in Boston, Massachusetts, the family settled in Aiken, South Carolina, where he spent his teen years, graduating as salutatorian from Aiken Senior High School in 1964.
In Aiken, Bob was recognized not only as a gifted scholar and orator, but a leader and entrepreneurial youth who was active at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Augusta, Georgia, in Aiken Community Theater, as well as in high school and community enrichments. He attended Boys State as well as two summers of math and science camps at Kansas State University. In 1969, he graduated Princeton University with a bachelor of arts degree in Biology, then attended the School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn his Doctorate of Medicine in 1973.
Bob completed his medical residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Los Angeles County - University of Southern California Medical Center, earned board certification in Family Medicine, and after time caring for the under-served population of Centreville, Mississippi, he moved to Southport. Here he established a family practice that would serve the community for nearly 40 years. He was an active member of the Medical Staff at Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport for over 30 years. He proudly served on the Brunswick County Board of Education, seeking to improve education for local students. Bob had a devoted team of office staff who supported him personally and professionally, many for decades, and remained his friends until the end.
Like his great-uncle and great-grandfather before him, Bob viewed his profession as a public service and felt medicine was his calling. Young patients from his early practice still remember finding their photos proudly posted on his office bulletin board. Several physicians credit their professional course to being his patient or learning from him, including several who provided care to him during his final illness.
Until the end of his professional career, Bob still made house calls on patients who were unable to come to his office. Both of his sons proudly followed him into the health care world in different ways, and currently work for hospitals that provide care to all members of their communities.
Bob remained fascinated by life; he was energized by learning and sharing what he discovered. A caregiver to everyone he knew, he was a natural teacher, raconteur, collector and storyteller. In recent years Bob traveled nationally and worldwide with his partner Jane and family members, savoring the people they met and natural wonders everywhere. During his life, his visited nearly every continent and some of the most remote places on Earth. Most recently he delighted in family-especially watching his children, granddaughters and nieces flourish-and in the quiet and consistent love of cherished friends, the seashore, SCUBA and snorkeling, and wood-turning.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Emily Erin Lipford Forstner, originally of Franklin, Georgia, and father, James Lee Forstner Jr., originally of Canoga Park, California.
He is survived by his cherished companion of 15 years, Jane Blood Siegfried of Durham; two sons, William Robert Forstner of Raleigh and James Dean Forstner (Jennifer) and granddaughters Addison James Forstner and Sidney Dean Forstner of Mableton, Georgia; sister Lauriece Ruth Forstner and loving nieces Erin Christine Gregory of Marietta, Georgia; and Katherine Renee Gregory of Portland, Oregon; sister Linda Vinson of Charleston, South Carolina; and cousins Gail, Karen, Susan, August and Tee.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 2, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Peacock-Newman & White Funeral and Cremation Service on Howe Street in Southport. A Memorial Service for family and close friends will be held Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at the same location.
In accordance with his wishes, interment is planned later in Aiken, South Carolina, alongside his parents.
Bob and his family offer special thanks to the incredibly caring and diligent team of Lower Cape Fear Hospice; Debbie Evans and Amber Weaver; Tommy and Julie Harrelson; Michele Wescott and family; Bill Rabon; the Fairleys; Dr. Zukoski; the Hatems; and many others too numerous to name.
Memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org/Donate or SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Online condolences may be made at
www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and
Cremation Service in Southport.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Forstner
colin jones
June 13, 2017
my memory of Bob is from a drug rep who visited me in the 80's after going to Bob's office. Bob directed the rep to have a seat by his desk. the rep heard something rustling in a large paper grocery bag on the floor. When Bob came into the office he shared with the rep that the bag contained a snake to be added to his collection, I think it was a moccasin! The rep said he was more cautious whenever he entered the office after that.
Claiborne Ray
June 6, 2017
I will always remember him as my smartest friend in high school. My condolences to his friends and family. He leaves a big hole in their world, I am sure.
ruth mathis
June 3, 2017
Dr. Forstner was our doctor for 35 years. He was a very compassionate ,and caring person. He will truly be missed.I am proud to have known him and called him my friend...
John Oldham
June 3, 2017
Rest in peace. John and Betty Oldham(Oak Island,NC.
Cindy Aubrey Speicher
June 2, 2017
To Bob's Family: It took my breath away to hear of Bob's passing. I've not seen him in many many years but like so many others, he made such an impression on me. We rode the bus every day to AHS and since our stops were close together, I would sit in the seat in front of him. He was wise, humorous, and so smart. It doesn't surprise me he became a physician. His demeanor would lend itself well to that. I found my '65 yearbook and reread what he wrote.Again his wisdom...how interesting that what he said has withstood 52 years of time. My deepest sympathies to you all in your loss. Thank you for including the drawing. The eyes, the smile and the curl above his forehead...yep, Sr.high Bob!
Nancy Carroll Geckler
June 2, 2017
Words cannot express how I have cherished the memories made through the years with the Forstner family. They were neighbors and friends. Although we were all busy with our everyday lives , I knew that I could call him anytime for a second opinion or for just personal advice. He treated me as a big sister. I was his last babysitter...according to his Mom. He was 12...Laurie was a baby... and I was 15! I am sad to know that he is no longer sharing his wise and compassionate spirit with those who have been closest to him physically recently. But there is no doubt that we will all be reunited in another dimension of LOVE and JOY as we have tasted here. I have been praying that the Holy Comforter will buoy those who are grieving his passing.
Teresa Ellixson
June 2, 2017
What a loss... I still remember first meeting him as a new nurse. He was so kind and gracious. My sympathy and prayers are with his family.
John Reade
June 1, 2017
Dr. Forstner took care of me for close to 30 years. He was a very gracious and caring person. My sympathy and prayers are with his family and former staff.
Renee/Billy/Brad Hilger
June 1, 2017
No words to describe the loss of such a great person. Thoughts and prayers for Jane and boys. He will be missed, but he will always be with you as your special angel. He loved you all so much and bragged on each one of you each time I saw him. So proud to call him a friend and a boss. He was the Best! RIP Bob you will be missed.
Cindy Jackson
June 1, 2017
Bill, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Drake
June 1, 2017
To Jim and family. My sympathy and prayers for your Dad,I was very sorry , when I heard about the loss of Dr.James Robert Forstner. May he rest in peace! Love to all, Betty Drake, grandmother of Jim and Jen
Brandon Nadeau
June 1, 2017
Dr. Forstner was our family doctor for over 20 years and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He helped so many people through the course of his life...the world is worse off with his passing. My prayers go out to his family, I'm sorry for your loss.
Margaret Beacham
May 31, 2017
I love how you sat and talked with me when I was worried about health issues. I love that you shared stories of your travels and I especially loved laughing with you and all those wonderful ladies that graced your office all these years. You will be missed. RIP dear sir.
Betty Dimmette-Covington
May 31, 2017
Bob was a dear friend and our family Doctor. His boys played Tee Ball with Joel William and Sarah. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He got me my job at Dosher I wasn't looking for one but it was the best decision of my life. Dosher will always be my family. Love, Betty Dimmette Covington (Mammographer) and Family
Cheryl Evans
May 31, 2017
Jim, the Perioperative Department Team of DeKalb Medical Center send their condolences to your family. We will continue to lift your family in prayer. May God bless all of you.
Executive Director Surgical Services
May 31, 2017
Bob, my dear old friend...I will miss you, as will all of Brunswick County. Your service and dedication to medicine and the people you saw is something we aren't likely to see again. I appreciated our collaboration so much and will be thinking of your family often in the days to come. I am so glad for the opportunity to have known and worked with you. Jerry Sloan, Ph.D.
Katie and Don Fraser
May 31, 2017
Our lives are richer for having known you. You will be sorely missed by so many. Don and I are thankful that we got to know you through our dear friend Jane. Our visits, while far too few, were memorable and always interesting. Rest in peace.
Judy Agner
May 31, 2017
While the phrase " he had a great life" may seem trite, for Robert it applies. To his friends and family - peace, he would have wanted that for you.
Carleen Kennedy
May 30, 2017
There is a cold breeze in southport tonight. Good bless dr forstner.
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Jun
2
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service1411 North Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461
Jun
3
Memorial service
11:00 a.m.
Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service1411 North Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461
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