Martinsburg, WV - James Thomas "Jim" Goforth, 60, went home to be with Jesus on April 12, 2026, leaving behind

a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. After a

long journey with neuroendocrine cancer, Jim's passing came suddenly and far sooner than those

who loved him were prepared for.

Born on June 20, 1965, Jim lived a life rooted in purpose and shaped by his deep, personal

relationship with Jesus Christ, his Savior. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father,

a playful and adoring Pawpaw, a caring son, a loyal brother, and a cherished friend to many. To

know Jim was to know warmth, humor, kindness, and a joyful spirit that made others feel

immediately at home.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lori of Martinsburg, WV; his beloved sons,

Joshua of Charleston, WV, and Nicholas of Martinsburg, WV. Joshua and his wife, Brittany

Lawrence Goforth, gave Jim one of his greatest joys in life: being "Pawpaw" to their four

beautiful children, Greyson Lee, Caiden James, Landon Reed, and Emmeline Margaret. Those

grandchildren brought him endless smiles and immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his

father, Harold of Bluefield, WV; his brother, Harold "Lucky" and sister in-law Debbie of

Bluefield, WV; and his sister, Anita Goforth Payne of Austin, TX. Additionally, Jim had several

nieces and nephews including: Meredith Goforth of Westport, CT, Paige Sanders of Bluefield,

WV, Rachel Taylor of Huntersville, NC , Lexy Payne of Austin, TX and Tyler Payne of Austin,

TX .

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jo, his daughter, Tiffany Lynn, and his nephew

Nathan Samuel.

For 28 years, Jim faithfully served as the founding pastor of New Life Community Church in

Inwood, WV. He answered God's call on his life with boldness, humility, and steadfast faith.

What began as a small gathering in his home grew, through his vision, prayer, and dedication,

into a thriving church family and a permanent place of worship. Jim did not simply build a

church; he helped build a community rooted in love, faith, and connection.

Jim's smile could light up a room, and his laughter was contagious. He had a remarkable gift for

making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved. He loved to tease, to joke, and to bring joy into

everyday moments. Above all, Jim was passionate about sharing the message that had

transformed his life: the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ. He called this mission REACH,

TEACH and SEND!

His life was a testimony not only in the words he preached, but in the way he lived—with

kindness, generosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. Jim's influence will continue to

be felt in the lives of those he encouraged, the people he loved, and all who came to know Christ

through his ministry.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort in knowing that Jim is now

at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, and hearing the words of his

Savior: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at New Life Community Church, 4102 Tabler Station

Road, Inwood, WV, on Saturday, April 18, at 4:00 p.m. If you are unable to join us on line,

consider participating in this service on New Life's YouTube Channel:

@NewLifeCommunityChurchWV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Community Church

Playground Fund to help fulfill Jim's vision to build a new awesome playground where children

can make memories, laugh together, and enjoy a safe place to play for years to come.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com