James Forde

James A. Forde (January 23, 1927 – April 18, 2024), also known as Jim, worked on the Manhattan Project from 1944 to 1945. Forde was hired by the Union Carbide and Carbon Company to clean test tubes as scientists worked to develop the gaseous diffusion process. He was the only African American working in the building at the time.

Early life and education Forde was born on January 23, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York.

He moved to San Diego and in 1979 became director of the Department of Health Services for 10 years in the county of San Diego. Forde retired after leaving the San Diego Health Services and went into community work. He organized local and state healthcare for African Americans.