James E. Forsythe, 81, formerly of Black Bear Path, Morrisonville, more recently of Scott Way Plattsburgh, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Meadowbrook Healthcare.

He was born in Weymouth, MA on August 16, 1942, the son of Chester and Elizabeth (Silva) Forsyth.

James attended Princeton Theological Seminary, Andover Newton Theological School and Eastern Nazarene College, receiving his Doctorate Degree.

He married Edna Taylor Aiken at Craftsbury Common United Church of Christ in Craftsbury Common, VT on March 20, 2004.

James was Chaplin at the Clinton Correctional Facility and the Federal Correctional Institution in Raybrook, NY, retiring after many years of service. Since 1971 he served as Chaplin in the U.S. Penitentiary, Marion, IL; Federal Correction Institution, Danbury, CT; and U.S. Penitentiary, Terre Haute, IN. From 1969-1971 he Pastored St. Paul's Congregational Church in Nutley, NJ.

He was a member of the NYS Association of Protestant Chaplains and the National Association of retired Federal Employees and a former member of the United Church of Christ in Willsboro, NY.

James had a great appreciation for the many civilian volunteers of all denominations who assisted him in his prison ministry. James enjoyed singing with the Cumberland Bay Barbershop Chorus.

Survivors include his wife, Edna Aiken; stepsons, Matthew Sante, Steven Aiken; stepdaughters, Erena (Steven) Fulton,  DoSoon Aiken; grandchildren, Ethan, Lily, Trevor and Mia Sante and several other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, first wife Janet Forsythe; brother Chester Forsyth and sisters, Evelyn Watlington, Esther Parker.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 15th at 11:00am at the United Methodist Church in Dannemora.

For those unable to attend the funeral service, a Zoom link is available to join the funeral virtually at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/77757212492?pwd=yBCFAfROo710Fun4KMvRXZJCvZqnW6. . Zoom meeting ID 777 5721 2492. No password will be required.

Burial will follow in Independence Cemetery in Saranac.

Memorial donations may be made to United Methodist Church Memorial fund in Dannemora or the Cumberland Bay Barbershop Chorus.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.