James Elliott Forbes, Ph.D., 78, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021.  He was a native of Norfolk but was currently a resident of Hampton.  James retired in 2015 after 33 years of teaching at Hampton University as an Associate Professor of Biology.  He attended Old Dominion University, where he received his Bachelors, the University of Richmond, where he received his Masters and VCU/MCV where he received his Ph.D. in Physiology.  

James was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Newport News.  He was also a member of the Richmond Spider Club, the JMU Duke Club and the Scottish Society of Tidewater.  He loved photography, animals (birds and cats), was a sports enthusiast, especially JMU Football, and loved Caribbean cruises.

James is survived by his wife of 17 years, Barbara J. Abraham, his daughter, Laura Forbes Sanders, her husband, Jonathan and Jon’s daughter, Ashlyn.

A celebration of James’ life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peninsula SPCA, https://peninsulaspca.org/.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.