In loving memory of James “Jim” Richard Forrelli, 70, who passed away peacefully at his home in Beaufort, S.C. on June 3, 2022.
Jim was born in Morgantown, in January of 1952, to Geremia Focarelli (d.1960) and Mary (Monesi) Focarelli (d.1956), the youngest of six children and a twin to John Forrelli. He was predeceased by his brother, William Forrell, and his sister, Joanne (Focarelli) Ryan. His childhood was spent in Morgantown, where he graduated from Morgantown High School in 1969 and went on to study at West Virginia University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1973. Jim had a successful career that spanned 45 years, 25 of which were spent in Boston at Tetra Tech, a premier environmental engineering firm. Amongst his career highlights was a 1996 project that took him to Bosnia, where he lived and helped rebuild the damaged infrastructure after the Bosnian War.
Two of Jim’s greatest passions were photography and travel, both local and abroad, which he enjoyed doing with his partner, Susan. With a deep appreciation for art and design, as well as a focused creative drive, you could often find him with one of his many collected cameras around his neck capturing the beauty of the world and the people who meant the most to him. A history buff and documentarian, he loved visiting other countries and photographing the architecture and landmarks he read about in his free time. Most recently, he dedicated himself to an ancestry project that traced the roots of his Italian-American family and their journeys from Italy to Morgantown, uncovering many previously unknown stories and details, which he loved sharing with his children. The project, as well as past trips to Italy, also inspired him to learn Italian in the hopes he would one day return and speak with his family still residing there in their native language. A thoughtful father and grandfather, Jim never missed the opportunity to brighten a family member’s day with a card or gift in celebration of a special occasion.
Jim leaves behind his beloved partner of almost 30 years, Susan Richards; four daughters: Tamara Camaj and husband Fran Camaj, Taryn Forrelli, Brooke Forrelli and husband Greg Willmott and Kristen Forrelli and husband Asad Bisyir; nine grandchildren: James, George, Cash, Olive, Perry, Leo, Marley, Kalila and Lyana; sisters, Cecelia Scudiere and Rita Coombs, both of Morgantown; brother, John Forrelli (Susan), of St. Clairsville, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was formerly married to Julianne (Herod) Forrelli, the mother of his children. His adoring grandchildren referred to him as “Grampie” and will forever cherish his delightful home movies created under the name of Grampie Productions. His kind and courageous heart, generous spirit and sharp intellect will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
