James R. Forcucci, 68, of Lewiston NY, died suddenly on Sunday January 18, 2009. Born in Niagara Falls NY he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Filomena 'Phyllis" (Poccia) Forcucci.

Jimmy was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area and a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church. He attended local schools and was a 1959 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School. He served in the United States Air Force as a coreman and physician's assistant at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and was honorably discharged from the reserves as a Sergeant in 1969. Jimmy attended Niagara University and was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Art Institute. He worked for the Social Security Administration in Western New York for thirty five years until retiring in 2005. In retirement he found great pleasure in working for Artpark in Lewiston during the summer season.

Mr. Forcucci had many passions in life but ice skating and cooking were his favorites. He loved working with children and young adults teaching ice skating at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion for many years and has a large following of local youngsters and their parents. His cooking could match the very best.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was also predeceased by his three brothers Guy L. (late Virginia) Forcucci, Joseph A. (Josephine 'Jay' of Hollywood FL) Forcucci and Carmen V. Forcucci. He never married but his brothers' children became the family he never had. He leaves eleven nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren who love him very much. Jimmy is also survived by his sister-in-law Pat of San Antonio, TX and many cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday January 23rd at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. William Allegretto, C.M. officiating. Interment with Military Honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center, PO Box 3049, Syracuse NY 13220-3049 or to Artpark, 450 South 4th Street, Lewiston NY 14092.