James Lawrence Forster ("Jamie"), 66, of Merrimack, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester surrounded by the love and laughter of his family- just how he enjoyed living his life. He endured a grueling four-month battle with Stage 4 melanoma cancer.

Born May 26, 1958, in Concord, Massachusetts, he was the third child of John Graham Forster and Mary (Punch) Forster. Jamie loved reliving stories from Powder Mill Road with his three brothers and two sisters, and their family adventures on cross-country camping trips and vacations. He was raised in Maynard, MA where he proudly wore the MHS Tiger colors for football, basketball, and baseball, and it was there that he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sue (Allard). The two started dating during Jamie's sophomore year of high school, a love story that would last a lifetime.  After graduating high school in 1976, Jamie attended the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, creating legendary friendships and stories that would be retold for years, and graduating with a degree in history.

Following UMass, Jamie began his 40+ year employment at Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard, building a decorated career as US Operations Manager that earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who worked with him. His commitment, hard work, and unwavering integrity were the foundation of his success, but it was the friendships he forged along the way that truly defined his legacy. His coworkers weren't just colleagues—they were his best friends and, in many ways, his extended family. He often said that the bonds he formed over the years were among his proudest accomplishments, and those who had the privilege of working alongside him will remember him not just as a coworker, but as a mentor, a friend, and a true part of their lives. Jamie was fortunate to travel the world on business trips, and particularly loved his time in Ireland each year for the Galway Races. During his retirement, Jamie enjoyed continuing the fun times and laughs with his work family on the golf course.

Jamie and Sue married on February 19, 1982, and built a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering support. For 43 wonderful years, they stood side by side, creating a home and raising their three daughters, Amy, Kelly, and Karen. Jamie's career took the family from Maynard, to Orange, MA, and ultimately, to Merrimack, NH in 1993.  The family was lucky enough to move to Conifer Street, where they formed a closeknit neighborhood family that has been a part of every major life event ever since.  Jamie was a staple around Merrimack's town sports fields, coaching his girls and their friends in many sports growing up, and then cheering them on from the high school soccer, field hockey, and softball sidelines. His daughters were his world, and he was the most loving, proud father.

While Jamie's love for his wife and daughters was immeasurable, it was the love he had for his grandchildren that truly knew no bounds. He was blessed with two sets of twin grandchildren, 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter in all: James, Allie, Jason, Andrew, Patrick, and Nathan.  As "Pops," he was nothing short of amazing—his heart was fully devoted to them, and every moment spent together was filled with laughter and an abundance of love. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he cherished every hug, every sports game, and every precious memory made. To them, he was more than just a grandfather; he was a constant source of happiness and fun, and his love will forever remain in their hearts.

Jamie was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ellen, his brother John, and his daughter, Karen.  Jamie will be deeply missed by his wife and the love of his life, Sue Forster, his daughter Amy Goodridge and her husband John of Merrimack, NH, his daughter Kelly Calnan and her husband Rory of Danvers, MA, his sister Martha Soar and her husband Bill of Littleton, MA, his brother Kevin Forster and his wife Nathalie of Freeport, ME, his brother Daniel Forster and his wife Rosalie of Worcester, MA, his sister Jennifer Wilson and her husband Dan of Westford, MA, his sister-in-law Robyn Forster of Bristol, RI, his sister-in-law Nancy Alvey and her husband Don of Groton, MA, his sister-in-law Diane Nelson and her husband Jon of Pepperell, MA, granddaughter Allie Goodridge, and grandsons James and Jason Goodridge and Andrew, Patrick, and Nathan Calnan, and many cherished friends, nieces, nephews, neighbors, co-workers, and extended family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Thursday February 27th from 4 – 6PM at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM on Friday February 28th at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack. Following services, family and friends are welcome at the American Legion in Merrimack, NH to celebrate Jamie's remarkable life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Jamie was always the rock his family could lean on. He will be forever remembered for the happiness he brought into the lives of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

In honor of Jamie's memory, a memorial fund has been established to support organizations that were near and dear to his heart. The funds may be used by the family to donate to causes he deeply valued, including his local golf league, the Merrimack Youth Association, potential research initiatives for melanoma and LMD, and other community organizations that brought him joy and purpose. Jamie's family is grateful for any contributions made in his memory and looks forward to carrying on his spirit of generosity and love for others:   https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-l-forster