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Posted Jul 9, 2026 | 11:11 AM
William James “Jim” Forbes
It is with deep sadness, but with the comfort of knowing he is now with his Lord and Saviour, that we announce the peaceful passing of William James “Jim” Forbes on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 3:11 a.m., at the age of 82. Jim passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his immediate family.
Born in Trenton, Ontario, on November 29, 1943, Jim was the beloved son of the late Lorne and Marie Forbes.
Jim was the devoted and loving husband of Kayla (née Shannik) for 63 wonderful years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Jim was deeply loved by Kayla’s parents, the late Keith and Irene Shannik, who welcomed him into their family as a son.
He was a proud father to Paula (Vince) and Kelly (Ray), and a devoted grandfather to Holly, Erica (Mat), Jessica (Adrian), and Dustin. He was also a cherished step-grandfather to Christopher and Thomas.
Nothing brought Jim greater joy than watching his family grow. He was a proud and loving great-grandfather to Arya, Harper, Brynn, and Emmy, and he treasured the time he spent watching them grow and sharing in their lives. Jim also had a special fondness for his great-grand-dog, Reggie.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his sister Jean (John) Lalonde, his brother-in-law Harold Wood, and his sister-in-law Sharon Salar. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Wood, his brothers Harry Forbes and infant brother Tommy, his sister-in-law Linda Forbes, and his brother-in-law Peter Salar.
For 56 years, Jim and Kayla proudly owned and operated The Oasis, a convenience store, restaurant, and gas station in Frankford, Ontario. They began the business alongside Kayla’s parents, and after Keith and Irene retired, continued operating The Oasis with the invaluable friendship and support of their dear friends, Doug and Cheryl Phillips. To Jim, The Oasis was much more than a business. It was a place where lifelong friendships were made and stories were shared. He truly loved to work, especially pumping gas and chatting with the many wonderful people who stopped by each day. His warm smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome.
Outside of work, Jim enjoyed sponsoring and working on his stock car, racing snowmobiles, and watching almost every sport. He was a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, although those who knew him best often joked that he may have secretly been cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs all along.
Above all, Jim was a man of deep Christian faith. He loved the Lord, loved his family wholeheartedly, and lived his faith each day through his kindness, humility, and genuine care for others. Whether at home, at The Oasis, or in the community, Jim made people feel valued and welcome. His quiet example will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that Jim is now home with his Lord and Saviour. We will forever cherish his love, his laughter, his quiet faith, and the example he set for all of us.
Visitation and Funeral Arrangements
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Steele Funeral Home, Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The funeral will follow on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Steele Funeral Home.
Interment will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Stockdale Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to join the procession are invited to meet at Steele Funeral Home, with the procession departing at 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to either the Kingston Kidney Transplant Program through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation or Parkdale East Church. The family would be grateful for any support given in Jim’s memory.
The family sincerely thanks everyone for their love, prayers, support, and acts of kindness during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a great comfort and is deeply appreciated.