‘A legend on the river’: Friends and family mourn longtime Port Barrington marina owner Jimmy Forbes

A memorial will be held Saturday for James “Jimmy” Forbes, the longtime owner of Port Barrington Marina on the Fox River who was described by those who knew him as “genuine,” a “sweetheart” and always willing to help.

“Jimmy was a great man and a legend on the river,” said Bonnie Misk-Haber owner of the Broken Oar Marina-Bar & Grill in Port Barrington, located across the river from the marina Forbes has owned since 1976.

Forbes, 73, of Crystal Lake died Aug. 27. A visitation is planned for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 1415 W. Algonquin Road in Algonquin.

Misk-Haber, who owns the Broken Oar with her husband Mike Haber, said Forbes was “a genuine guy … and just a sweetheart, big supporter of the Oar.” She also described him as a “straight shooter” and “an iconic member” of the Lower River community.

“His death hit home for everyone on the Lower River. Even if you didn’t keep your boat at (the marina), everyone knew who Jimmy was,” she said.

Mike Haber said he was glad he spent some time fishing with his friend of more than 30 years in Florida this winter just before Forbes learned he had an aggressive form of cancer.

“He was always willing to help and didn’t always charge you,” Mike Haber said. “He was just a good guy.”

Forbes’ widow, Linda, described her life with him as “wonderful.” That life included lots of traveling, drag racing, motorcycle riding, boating, snowmobiling and winters in Florida, where he had his own airplane and hangar.

The couple were due to celebrate 54 years of marriage on Oct. 30.

The marina began in a different location, in Lake Barrington, before Forbes moved the business to its current location in 1998 on land owned by Forbes’ family since 1836, she said.

Over the years, the business has changed and grown. The couple sold snowmobiles, trailers, then boats, and operated the marina. At one time, the Forbes’ family owned 130 acres. After the McHenry County Conservation District acquired about half the land the family now has 65, Linda Forbes said.

“We started from scratch,” Linda Forbes said. “We have been in business 48 years, and the only reason is because he was such a good person.”

Forbes also was a mechanic who often worked side jobs and helped those in need including by doing mechanical work for free. During the infamous blizzard of 1979, the couple drove around on snowmobiles rescuing people trapped in their cars, Linda Forbes said.

“There are so many memories,” Linda Forbes said.

Forbes’ son, James “J.T.” Forbes, said his father shared his love for all his activities and the marina with him. He will continue running the business.

“He taught me everything,” J.T. said.

James Forbes also is survived by his daughter, Jody Chittick.