Jim Forrette

James Frederick Forrette, age 92, Sisseton, SD passed away on November 26, 2022. A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, December 1 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sisseton with Fr. Gregg Frankman Celebrant.   Pallbearers were Daniel Thelin, Nicholas Norris, Patrick Thelin, Eric Forrette, Kirby Norris, Michael Thelin, William Thelin, Benjamin Forrette, and Matthew Lenards. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim’s Bowling, Trap Shooting, and Golfing Buddies.  Interment was in the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Sisseton with Military Rites by Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342. 

Jim was born at home, on February 24, 1930 in Adrian, MN to Benjamin and Clara (Henning) Forrette. He graduated from St. Adrian Catholic High School in 1948. After graduation, he did carpentry work with his dad and assisted his cousins in farming. Jim enlisted in the US Navy in October 1948 and served until October 1949.  He then transferred to the US Naval Reserve until he reentered active duty in October 1950 until discharge in August 1953.  He served during the Korean War and was stationed in the Philippines and Aleutian Islands.  He was a proud member of the Navy Seabees (construction battalion). After his military service he moved to Rapid City, SD to work construction with his uncle and there he met the love of his life, Dorothy Linkswiler. They were married on February 11, 1954 and were married for 68 years. While living in Rapid City, he earned his Ag Flight Training Certification from South Dakota State University. Jim and DeeDee resided in Rapid City until 1961, with their four oldest daughters. They then moved to Sisseton where they lived for the remainder of his life.  Jim was a carpenter and aerial sprayer. He sprayed for 34 years in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the Sisseton area. He enjoyed and excelled in trapshooting, woodworking, and bowling. In 1977, he and his son Jim Jr. won the Parent Child SD State Trapshooting Trophy. He and his son David were members of the bowling team that won the State Team Title in 2001. After he retired, he discovered the game of golf and at the age of 80, he got a hole in one. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where he was the oldest member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim was a past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a 51 year member of the American Legion. He was a strong supporter of the NRA.  Jim loved the Lord, his country, his wife, his children and their families. He was a true gentleman and was liked and respected by all who knew him. He was known for his sense of humor and zest for life. Jim died at his home with his wife by his side.

Jim is survived by his wife, DeeDee, his children, Linda (Tracy) Norris, Gillette, WY, Jeanne (Paul) Sinclair, Milbank, SD, Patricia “Petey” (Dana) Ray, Sioux Falls, SD, Carol (Greg) Thelin, Sisseton, SD, James (Lisa) Forrette, Jr., Milbank, SD, Dorothy “Dolly” (Tim) Lenards, Milbank, SD, and David (Sheri) Forrette, Brookings, SD. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, his brother Charles Forrette, Harrisburg, SD, his sister-in-law Joan (Dave) Durand, Milbank, SD, his brother-in-law Gilbert (Wendy) Linkswiler, Plantation, FL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clayton Forrette, sister Patricia Becker, lifelong friend and brother-in-law Doug Becker, and sister-in-law Patricia Henson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stanley Gallagher and Dr. Judy Beumer, Home Health Care and Big Stone Physical Therapy, along with the staff of Coteau Des Prairie Clinic and Hospital for their excellent care and kindness. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton was in charge of funeral arrangements.