Former Crown Point Mayor James Forsythe died Wednesday, two weeks after his wife of 73 years died. He was 95.

Forsythe was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War, “and spent decades actively partaking in veterans’ events and causes,” according to a statement on the City of Crown Point website.

“Mayor Forsythe dedicated his life to serving his community and his country,” according to the statement. “As Mayor of the City of Crown Point, he served his community well and forged Crown Point into what it is today.”

Forsythe served two terms as the city’s mayor, from 1984 to 1991.

As mayor, Forsythe “hit a lot of singles and doubles,” to move the city forward, Crown Point Mayor Dave Uran said. But, Forsythe’s “home run” was developing the city’s first comprehensive master plan.

“He got the foundation started for that ... on where the city should be headed with development. He was instrumental in that,” Uran said.

Under Forsythe’s leadership, the city applied for the downtown USA project, a grant for which the funding was used to preserve the history of the downtown business buildings and layout of the downtown area, Uran said.

Uran said he would “bounce ideas” for the city with Forsythe, and that Forsythe was always “eager to share his thoughts and ideas.”

His wife, Marjorie Forsythe, 92, died March 26. The couple had four children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The couple met at Camp Atterbury, where James Forsythe was stationed after World War II. They married in June 1946, according to his wife’s obituary.

Throughout their life, the couple enjoyed traveling, and visited all 50 states. According to his wife’s obituary, she worked part-time as a seamstress and served her community in different roles through St. Mary Catholic Church.

But, according to her obituary, her “favorite community role was serving as ‘First Lady’ during Jim’s two terms as Mayor of Crown Point.”

“They were inseparable,” Uran said. “They exhibited the true American Dream of a marriage and a partnership.”

Forsythe was also known for his tidbits and wisdom, Uran said.

Uran recalled Forsythe’s advice for outdoor events or meetings: put a rubber band on your clipboard so that the papers don’t blow away.

What the community will miss most about Forsythe, Uran said, was him leading the Memorial Day celebrations and playing music on Saturday’s at the farmer’s market.

“He’ll be definitely missed at those events,” Uran said. “Our condolences go to the family.”

James Metros, who served as the city’s mayor from 1992 to 2004 following Forsythe’s term, said he credits Forsythe with bringing the city “into more modern times.”

Metros was the city’s first Democratic mayor, which he admits that “there was a shock there,” following the election. But, Forsythe didn’t let politics in the way and exhibited “that desire to help,” Metros said.

“Mayor Forsythe was a wonderful man. He was very civic minded and a family man,” Forsythe said.

Metros said he would run into Forsythe at a local restaurant, and he would often pull up a chair to talk with Forsythe and his family while dining. During those conversations, Metros recalls, the two of them “build a companionship.”

“I got to experience the man Forsythe was, and he was a really good man.”