James Robert Forrest Jr. (January 24, 1920 – August 26, 1980)[1] was an American jazz musician who played tenor saxophone throughout his career.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States,[2] Forrest played alongside Fate Marable as a young man.

After his solo career, he played in small combos with Harry "Sweets" Edison and Al Grey, as well as appearing with Count Basie.

[1] Late in life Forrest married Betty Tardy (November 30, 1929 – October 21, 2011), and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he died in August 1980, aged 60, from heart failure.

During the late 1970s, Forrest appeared with an all-star line-up in New York, including Howard McGhee on trumpet, John Hicks on piano, Major Holley on bass, and Charlie Persip on drums.