FORESTER, JAMES H. age 79, of Bessemer, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2012. Mr. Forester was a longtime member and Deacon of Shady Grove Baptist Church. He retired as a Sgt. Major of the U.S. Army after twenty-two years of service where he earned the Purple Heart with two clusters, the Korean Service Medal with four bronze service stars and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars. He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty seven years, Melba Frances Forester. He is survived by his sons, James "Randy" (Sandy) Forester and Robert (Kimberly) Forester; daughter, Rhonda McRee; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Ben, Floyd and Eddy Forester. Funeral services will be held at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:00 am with burial in Highland Memorial Gardens. Bro. Patrick Buckner officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday evening, April 22, 2012 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. >