Jerome David "J.D." Forest

Jerome David “J.D.” Forest, 87, of Fleming Island FL, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015. He was born on December 31, 1927 to parents John George and Olga Marie (Liffert) Forest in Detroit, MI and was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Forest served his country honorably as a Chief Boatswain's Mate in the United States Navy retiring after 23 years of service. He received many commendations as a salvage diver with the Navy. J.D. was an avid sailor and the Commodore for The Navy Jacksonville Yacht Club. He was a small business entrepreneur beginning with Fleet Mobile Wash. His next endeavors were Shrimp Boat owner and Captain. He then went on to be an owner operator long distance truck driver. JD's hobbies included sailing, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles and orchestrating the production of treasured family heirlooms. He was a beloved husband, entertaining father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who loved him. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents and the mother of his children Valerie Forest-Frei and his wife of 34 years Charlotte Forest. He is survived by his children John T. Forest, Holly Forest-Dutcher and Jennifer (Earl) Flanagan; step-children, Lynn (Frank) Hutton, Linda Leggett and Patricia Boyer; grandchildren, Amanda, Cassondra, Savannah, Richard, Megan-Mollie, Bridgett, Matt, Keith and Adam. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Dr. Joe Molina officiating. Inurnment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, (904)284-4000.