James Harold Forrester

James Harold Forrester, age 86, was a man of true principle. He dedicated his life to hard work and integrity. Harold was born November 9, 1928 in Woodstock, AL and passed away January 25, 2015 in Albuquerque, NM. His parents were Annie Lucille Mitchell-Forrester and Farris James Forrester; his brothers were Calvin and Donald and his sister was Evelyn Forrester Morrow. Harold's family moved to Albuquerque in the 1940s due to his father's tuberculosis. Harold graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1946. He and Gwendolyn Gish-Forrester married in 1948. Harold always said marrying Gwen was "the best decision of his life." He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn; his son, Jim Forrester and wife Beth Forrester; his daughter, Janet Copenhaver and husband Steven Copenhaver; grandchildren, Julie Copenhaver, Aaron Forrester and wife Sheryl Forrester, Scott Forrester and fiancAC.e Julia Jarrard, Michelle Guilford and husband Spencer Guilford and Leslie Foltz; his great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Ava and Olivia Forrester and Shalyn and Kyan Caudill. Harold began his career as a service tech in the automotive-electronic industry and also worked as a fuel-truck driver. He diligently worked, while married, to obtain his bachelor's and master's degrees. He became an elementary school teacher for APS. His dream in life was to become an FBI agent. He served as an agent in the mid 1960s serving in: Minneapolis, Sioux Falls and Cincinnati. After his service, he returned to Albuquerque to serve as an elementary school principal at APS for 30 years. Many of his students, as adults in later years, would identify him in restaurants and tell him stories of how he changed their lives for the best. Harold enjoyed helping others on their journey. He was a devoted husband of 66 years. He loved his wife, children, country and God. Gospel music was a passion in his life. He enjoyed attending Sagebrush Church every Saturday and loved family gatherings, where he was able to see his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always find Harold around a blazing large fireplace, humming a tune or a beloved hymn. His shoes will never be filled. However, we will always strive to walk in his footsteps. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Westside. A Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A Reception will follow the service. There will be a private interment at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Road NW Albuquerque, NM 87114