James Jay Forton

James J. “Jimmer” Forton, 80, of Newington, beloved husband of Sheila Wielgosz
Forton passed away August 13 after a short illness. Born on September 9, 1944, in
Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late Robert Forton and Therzah Waring Forton.

He attended Detroit public schools and in 1962 enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
serving from 1962 to 1966. A Vietnam War Veteran, he served there for 13 months and
would always tell stories about the fact that he was the “first one off the boat” when his
unit, Lima 3/9 landed at Da Nang, South Vietnam. Jimmer worked at International
Bridge and Iron for 43 years, retiring in 2009. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post
511 in New Britain where he had many special friends he called family. He loved taking
yearly trips back home to Michigan and to Cape Cod with Sheila for their annual
Anniversary celebrations.

His legacy of love, kindness and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Besides his wife of 59 years, he will be greatly missed by his daughters and sons-in-law,
Kimberley and Donald Willis of Willington, and Kelly and Jerry Corbin of Stafford Springs;
his two grandchildren, Zachary Willis and Madison Corbin; and his brothers,
David Forton of Roscommon, MI, and Charles Forton of Franklin, TN. 
He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Forton.

The family would like to thank the Hospital of Central CT for their care and kindness.
Although Jimmer did not want any services, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a
later date. Luddy-Peterson Funeral Home will handle other information.