Sad news about James Forshee

02/17/2024 

Update: Information about services for D. James “Jim” Forshee is available in an online obituary. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, located at 9 Lincoln Ave. in Cortland. The family encourages those who attend visiting hours to wear Cortland High School or SUNY Cortland shirts or colors, representing his love for both institutions.

The following message was send to the SUNY Cortland campus community on behalf of President Erik J. Bitterbaum

Dear campus community members,

It is with immense sadness that I share D. James “Jim” Forshee, lecturer in the Sport Management Department, passed away Feb. 15 after a brief and sudden illness.

Jim was a wonderful colleague, teacher and friend. He was well-known across the greater Cortland community for his dedication to sports broadcasting through outlets like the Red Dragon Sports Network, and he made a lasting impression on countless SUNY Cortland students interested in media. His reputation extended across many departments on our campus: Sport Management, Communication and Media Studies and Athletics among them.

Jim’s teaching career at SUNY Cortland began in 2008. Prior to that, he was a beloved technology teacher for 38 years, earning Cortland City Schools Teacher of the Year honors twice, Rotary Club Teacher of the Year and two awards for his sports production work with the Empire State Games. Jim’s areas of expertise included graphic arts, photography and audio and video applications, and he worked in the sports broadcasting field for networks that included ESPN and MSG.

I always appreciated Jim’s Red Dragon pride and his kindness. In 2015, he was awarded SUNY Cortland’s Student Affairs Faculty Connection Award, an honor that recognizes a faculty member who builds meaningful student connections outside of the classroom. Jim is proof of the ripple effect that our faculty members have, both on campus and in the local community.

Details about services are available in an online obituary. At his family’s request, donations may be made to the Jim Forshee Memorial Fund set up at the Cortland County SPCA.

I would ask that you also show support for our faculty members and students in the Sport Management Department as well as Jim’s many friends across campus.

Please know that several resources are available to the campus community:

• The Counseling Center: The office is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and appointments can be made over the phone by calling 607-753-4728. The office’s crisis line also is available 24 hours every day by calling the same number. Wait until your call forwards to voicemail, then press “2,” and you will be forwarded to a mental health professional.
  

• Uwill: Students now have free access to teletherapy through this online platform, which specializes in working with college students. Students can visit app.uwill.com to create a profile with their cortland.edu email address and schedule an appointment, including on evenings and weekends.
  

• Crisis Text Line: Text Got5U to 741741 and reach a trained volunteer crisis counselor.

  

• Togetherall: This free and anonymous online peer support community is available 24/7 to all students looking for mental health support and a sense of connection. Students can register for Togetherall online.
  

• O’Heron Newman Hall: Campus community members from different faith backgrounds can contact Tricia Wilder, executive director of Cortland Interfaith Council and director of Catholic Campus Ministry, at 607-753-6737.

This sudden loss is very sad for our Cortland community. Please join me in remembering Jim’s many contributions to our campus and supporting his colleagues, students and loved ones during a difficult time.

Sincerely,

Erik J. Bitterbaum
President