James "Jim" Forney was initiated into Perry Lodge on September 13, 1967, he was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on October 11, 1967, and he was raised to Master Mason on November 11, 1967. Jim served as Worshipful Master of Perry Lodge No. 185 for 1996. He also served as Treasurer of Perry Lodge for seven years and as Lodge Trustee for one year.

     W.B. Forney received his degrees for Royal Arch degrees at the Salem Chapter No. 94 Royal Arch Masons of which he served as High Priest. He served as Thrice Illustrious Master of Omega Council No. 44 Royal and Select Masters, and as Eminent Commander of Salem Commandery No. 42 Knight Templars. For his service to all three bodies in York Rite, Jim received the Knight of the York Cross of Honour.

     On November 8, 2017, Worshipful Brother Forney received his 50 Year Service Award from Perry Lodge. Jim was the first to receive the Perry Lodge Lifetime Achievement Award on December7, 2022 for everything he has done for Perry Lodge, Freemasonry as a whole, our community and his church. The following year, the award was changed to the Perry Lodge Achievement Award because of the special individual that Brother Jim Forney is.

     Jim Forney has been a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Ohio for many years.

     Throughout his life, Jim Forney embodied the principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement upheld by Freemasonry and Christianity. His contributions to the lodge and the community continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.