James Butler "Jimmy" Forehand, Jr.

James “Jimmy” (Butler) Forehand, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 26, 2023. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends. 

Jimmy’s legacy can be matched by few. He was born in Lynchburg, VA the only son of James Butler Forehand, Sr., and Ethel Ford on August 25, 1930. He attended Lynchburg public schools and Fork Union Military Academy. His college years were spent at Duke University and the University of Virginia where he was an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Jimmy was a proud Wahoo his whole life. 

Jimmy was a builder and developer for both commercial and residential real estate in Central Virginia and South Carolina for over 50 years. 

As president of the family-owned businesses, JB Forehand and Co. Inc., builders and developers, and Forehand Inc., residential and commercial real estate sales and property management, Jimmy developed most of Lynchburg including Waterlick, Chestnut Hill, and Boonsboro Shopping Centers, along with over 80 other commercial, residential, and multi-family buildings thought Central Virginia. 

Jimmy was heavily involved in civic duties his whole life. He served as President of the Greater Lynchburg Community Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Lynchburg Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Lynchburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Director of Central Lynchburg, Inc., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of James River Day School, Board Member of the Lynchburg Area Development Corporation, Member of the Peakland United Methodist Church, and Member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Virginia Athletics Foundation. 

Jimmy loved to play golf and played many of the country's best courses, but he proclaimed Boonsboro Country Club his favorite course. He was the longest-standing member of Boonsboro and served as Club President from 1987 - 1996. He was also a member of DeBordieu Country Club in South Carolina where he served on the Board of Directors. He was an esteemed member of the former Rivermont Shirt Club.

Of all his accomplishments his family was his most prized. He was the proud father to the late Linda Forehand, Karen Forehand Howard, Sarah Forehand, and James B. Forehand, III. (Kasey Purcell Forehand). The grandfather to Max Howard (Brooke Howard), Brandon Howard (Mirian Howard), Ryan Howard, Brenna Forehand, and Nolyn Forehand. The Great-grandfather to Nolan and Claire Howard (Brandon Howard), Harper and Alex (Max Howard). His late wife Dona Pillow Forehand was the love of his life and we know he is now enjoying time with her in heaven. 

Funeral Service will be held at Peakland United Methodist Church at 2:30 pm on February 17, 2024. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The University of Virginia Athletic Foundation: P.O. Box 400833, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4833.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.