Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Paul “Jamie” Forch

Sept. 11, 1942 - Aug. 29, 2021

TRENTON, Neb. — Paul “Jamie” Forch, 78, a longtime resident of Trenton, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 at his home in Trenton. Paul James Forch was born north of Stratton, Neb., to Robert and Marguerite Forch on Sept. 11, 1942. He attended a one-room school house near his home, walking daily through snow, uphill both ways with no shoes through the eighth grade. He attended high school in Stratton, graduating in 1960. He pursued higher education at Kearney State College and received his degree in business education. Following a year teaching in Columbus, he moved to McCook and started teaching for McCook High School.

In McCook he met Patricia Hoyt of Culbertson and married her in 1968. He had two children who went on to do great things. Kimberly Hightower served in the United States Navy for 11 years as a Nurse Corps Officer and is now the Director of Nursing for Compassionate Home Health in Broomfield, Colo. Chris Forch who was selected for Captain in the United States Navy, and is currently an instructor at Surface Warfare School in Newport, R.I., training future executive and commanding ffficers for the fleet. Kim is married to Chad Hightower of Grant, Neb., and has two children, Zach and Lizzy. Chris is married to Kristi (Hartel) of Murray, Neb., and has two children, Chase and Drew.

Jamie taught for over 30 years, reaching three generations of McCook residents. Following retirement in 2000, Jamie continued work, disguised as hobbies, raising game birds for another 10 years, as well as other odd projects on his farm. Further, he and his wife spent 10 years summering in Ninilchik, Alaska, where they made numerous friends and enjoyed the spoils of Alaskan fishing waters. Jamie was an active Boy Scout Leader with troop 219 of Stratton and Master of the Dutch Oven cooking method. Jamie had a huge heart and was always willing to help (or supervise with tons of sage advice) those in the community, as well as his brothers on their various farming ventures.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Willard Hoyt and mother-in-law, Violet Hoyt of Culbertson, Neb.; his brother, Larry “Fritz” Forch; and nephew, Larry K. Forch. He was also preceded in death by numerous deer, pheasants, geese, walleye and halibut by his own hand.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat; his daughter, Kim; his son, Chris and four grandchildren; sister, Linda; brothers, Robert “Bob” and Dave; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jamie always wanted to live a small life; however, he made an incredible impact on so vary many. He was a Lover of Limericks, Professor of Politics, Supervisor and Educator Extraordinaire. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday Nov. 27, 2021, at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton.  Inurnment will take place at future date.