Chilhowie, Virginia

James C. “Jay” Forrester, age 64, won his battle against cancer and finished his route on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA.

Jay, better known throughout the community as "the FedEx Guy," or “Jay Bird,” never met a stranger. His friendly smile, kind heart, and familiar face made him someone people looked forward to seeing, and over the years he became much more than a delivery driver; he became a friend to countless people along his route. Before joining FedEx, Jay served his country briefly in the United States Coast Guard, receiving an honorable discharge. He also served as a Virginia State Trooper in Northern Virginia. Jay had a personality all his own. He had a fascination with science fiction and the unexplained, especially aliens and Bigfoot. Whether attending the annual Bigfoot Festival, spending a day at Busch Gardens, visiting Helen, Georgia, or taking the scenic train ride through Bryson City, North Carolina, with his cousin, Lee, Jay found joy in life's adventures. He also enjoyed trips to the beach, but no place ever felt more like home than the mountains and the woods. He and his beloved wife, Cindy, built a life together on their farm, where they enjoyed the peaceful country life surrounded by their cherished Quarter Horses. It was a place that reflected Jay's love for nature and the simple joys of home. His love for the outdoors began early in life while growing up at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion. As a teenager, he earned his lifeguard certification and even helped create some of the trails that visitors still enjoy today. That appreciation for nature never faded. Throughout his life, he found peace hiking the trails at Whitetop and could rarely sit still for long. If he wasn't exploring the outdoors, he would take his beloved dogs, Zoe and Maya, for a walk. Jay also had a passion for motorcycles and was an avid Honda and Suzuki rider. As his cousin Lee often joked, Jay liked his music "a little on the heavier side," enjoying bands such as Pink Floyd, Styx, Survivor, and many others. Jay lived life in a way that was unmistakably his own. He embraced the things he loved, treasured the people closest to him, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Branson and Phyllis Ann Wheeles Forrester; and grandparents, James Edward and Mary Lee “Odel” Webster.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Cindy Forrester of Chilhowie, VA; son, Derrick Jasen Forrester and wife, Evelyn, of Wichita Falls, Texas; granddaughter, Bailey Anne Forrester; special cousin, Jerry “Lee” Wheeless Jr.; and a host of many other loving family and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Main Street Christian Church, 702 East Main St., Saltville, VA 24370. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Stan Dunham officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Duke University Hospital, Alumni & Development Records c/o Duke Cancer Center – Oncology Department, Duke University, Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708-0581, or Main Street Christian Church, 702 East Main St., Saltville, VA 24370.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James C. “Jay” Forrester.