Dr. James C. Forstall, 85, of Springfield, died Friday, March 3, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center.
Forstall was a member of the BGA’s Springfield Advisory Board. In 2016 he was recognized with The State Journal-Register’s First Citizen award for his distinguished career and civic mindedness.
Forstall served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, where he did tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, along with several campaign service ribbons and badges. He received his doctorate in higher education from Illinois State University and dedicated decades of his life to higher education.
Throughout his career, he worked as an administrative assistant to the president of Sangamon State University, vice president of student services at Lincoln Land Community College, associate director of grants administration for the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and worked for the dean of SIU School of Medicine.
He was a member of St. Agnes Parish, was active in the Springfield Chapter of the NAACP, Frontiers International Club of Springfield, Lion’s Club, and he was a board member of Memorial Medical Center and American Savings Bank. He was also a member of the Citizens Club of Springfield Board.
