James "Joe" Fordice

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Joe) J. Fordice, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Indiana. Born on October 16, 1944, in Rushville, Indiana, Joe lived a full and vibrant life, dedicating himself to his family, career, and community until he succumbed to SCL cancer.

Joe was the cherished son of Dr. Robert N. and Morieda B. (Snyder) Fordice. He was preceded in death by his father in 1985 and mother in 2009. Despite these losses, Joe found profound joy and fulfillment in his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Gay Fordice; their two sons, Andrew Fordice, who is married to Michelle, and Zach Fordice, who is married to Jessica. Joe took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to five grandchildren: Emma, Cal, Maggie, Levi and Zion. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Gray, his nieces, Cathy Thompson and Karen Winkler, nephews, Buck and Mike Gray, who all held a special place in his heart.

A graduate of Rushville High School in 1962, Joe later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, in 1968. His career was marked by a diverse array of roles, beginning as a civilian with Army procurement within the Department of Defense. He later transitioned to farming the corn and soybean fields of Rush County, where he nurtured a deep connection to the land. Ultimately, Joe found his professional home at Toray Resin in Shelbyville, where he enjoyed fifteen years of dedicated service before retiring in 2013. Throughout his career, he forged invaluable relationships that he cherished deeply.

Joe was a member of the Indian Creek Christian Church, where he found community and spiritual support. He embraced his faith with sincerity and gratitude, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

In his leisure time, Joe found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved relaxing on his lawn tractor, tending to his yard, and hanging out in the garage shooting-the- bull with neighbors. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.

Joe and Gay were married in a heartfelt ceremony in Greenville, Ohio, in 1975, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with unwavering love and support. Their bond was a testament to the power of companionship and commitment, reflecting a journey together through all of life s seasons.

In honor of Joe's legacy, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, an organization that provided compassionate care in his final days. Donations can be made through their website at https://www.ourhospice.org/donations/

A private funeral service will be held to celebrate James's life and the profound impact he had on those who were fortunate to know him. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends.

May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will be missed by all.