James Joseph Forck

James Joseph "Jim" Forck, 85, of Taos, died Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at Westphalia Hills. He was born on June 4, 1929, in Taos, Missouri, the son of the late John Gerard and Catherine (Stegeman) Forck. Jim was a 1947 graduate of St. Francis Xavier School. Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1948-1952 during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage on June 27, 1959, in Westphalia, to Dolores Ann Berhorst who still survives. Jim worked in construction for over 46 years with Frank Verslues Construction, Fred Verslues Construction, Forck Brothers Construction, and Jim Forck Construction. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos where he was active as a lector and choir member and a past member of the parish council; served on the St. Francis Xavier School board and helped to coach baseball; was a charter member and honorary life member of Knights of Columbus Council 6430; and was a member and board member of the Liberty Senior Citizens Housing. Jim enjoyed baseball and horseshoes and especially loved watching his grandchildren play in sporting events. In addition to his wife, Dolores, Jim is survived by nine children, Joseph (Elaine) Forck, Taos; Linda (Dale) Heckman, Taos; Kathy (Roger) Shikles, Taos; Carol (Sam) Struttmann, New Bloomfield; John (Laurie) Forck, Taos; Stan (Jackie) Forck, Taos; Ken (Jana) Forck, Taos; Christy (Jason) Buschjost, Taos; Terri (Kent) Engelbrecht, Wardsville; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Joe Forck; three sisters, Julietta Sanning, Marcella Kerperin, Frances Tambke; and two brothers, Louis Forck and Herbert Forck. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2014, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, with the Rev. Wayne M. Boyer officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Church with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 7319 Route M, Jefferson City, Mo 65101. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.