1928
2016
James B. Foster Jr., 88, went to be with the Lord on November 27, 2016. A Jacksonville native, Jim graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and enlisted in the Navy. After earning an undergraduate degree from Stetson University and Master's degree from the University of Florida, Jim served as a teacher, coach and administrator for 38 years in the Duval County School System. He taught English at Paxon, Forrest, and Fletcher high schools. In addition, he served as Vice Principal at Paxon, Forrest, and Baldwin high schools.
Jim's commitment to Jesus Christ focused on leading church choirs for many years at North Main Street, East 44th Street, and Spring Park Baptist churches. His most significant ministry may have been as choir director for 28 years at Good News Baptist Church, wherein his brother, Jerry Foster, was pastor. Imagine the amazing celestial choir Jim has joined to worship before the throne of God!
As part of God's divine plan for Jim's life, he met his wife, Vicki, at Spring Park Baptist. They recently celebrated 43 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two nieces, Tara Peterson (Sean) and Erika Stroup (Billy); a grandniece, Samantha Stroup, and grandnephew, Tyler Martin.
Jim will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate his life will take place on Friday, December 2nd, at 2:00 PM at Good News Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to Good News Baptist Church, 2600 St. Johns Bluff Road S, Jacksonville, Florida 32246.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 3, 2023
School
Danny Schert
Coach Foster was the first coach to take an interest in me and my athletic talents. He also taught me honor English at Forrest Hight School in the late 60's. With Coach Foster's inspiration I went on to play varsity sports at Forrest and Florida State University. Thanks so much Coach Foster!
September 26, 2021
School
Dwight (Ike) Turner
Coach Foster was my 11th grade English teacher in 1962/63. He made us give speeches and I got terribly nervous. When it was lunch time he would say, "Let's skweet (for let's go eat)." I'm 75 now and think of Coach Foster often. I'm happy that he led a long, fruitful, and Christian life. Hope to see you on the streets of gold, Coach.
January 3, 2017
Doreen Dube O'Toole
Coach Foster was my 11th grade English teacher at Forrest in 1966-67 school year. He was fabulous with opening up my mind to what literature means to the individual. He inspired us to think for ourselves. I was honored and blessed to stay in touch with him off and on throughout my life until about 10 years ago. He will always have a special place in my heart. The ideal role model for aspiring teachers. My sympathy to his wife who lost a true gift from God.
December 8, 2016
Vicki, just a note to again say how sorry we are and let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tara and Erika. Love, Doug & Doris Greeson
December 4, 2016
I remember Mr. Foster as Dean of Boys at Forrest High School 1975-77. I remember him because he always had that smile on his face when we would see him in the halls. I never saw him without that calm demeanor and we had a great student body back then, because of people like Mr. Foster and his reassuring presence. Rest in peace, and my prayers to his friends and family.
December 1, 2016
Donna Baker
Coach Foster was the best English teacher I ever had. We went toe to toe a few times, but I never forgot the lessons learned. He certainly made my employment life a lot easier due to his great teaching. He was fair and a fun person. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family. If he kept his sense of humor, I know life with him was interesting. He was a great man!
December 1, 2016
Vicki,
I just wanted to extend my condolences on the loss of your husband.
Pam Nielsen
December 1, 2016
Julie Westbrook-Keith
Coach Foster was my sophamore English teacher at Paxon High School! He was the best teacher I ever had in all my 12 years of public education. I contribute much of my writing success solely to him! May he rest in peace.
December 1, 2016
Edith Brooks Bell
Coach Foster was my 11th grade English teacher at Paxon Sr High in the 60s. I loved his easy-going way of teaching! For me, he had a way of making learning interesting.
My condolences to his family and friends.
December 1, 2016
Linda Jackson
A sad loss for me. Coach Foster was one of my VERY favorite teachers (Paxon High School - 11th Grade English). He always made time before class began to communicate with his students on a more personal level before beginning our lessons. I felt that he cared about us as individuals and was influenced positively by the many life lessons (separate and apart from English) that he taught us. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
December 1, 2016
Mr. Foster was an inspiring and caring teacher. He was my English teacher in 1990 and my favorite teacher throughout the years. I still remember his joking wit and kind pushes encouraging me to grow my writing talents. I've told fond stories to my own children of Mr. Foster and how he was one of the most influential adults of my youth. He was a treasure and a blessing to me. God's love be with his family in this time of sorrow. Please take comfort knowing his life was such a positive light and the memories will continue to spread that light. Here's an RC cola and a moon-pie in your honor Mr. Foster.
November 30, 2016
Shelvie Jermier
Jim was so sweet. I enjoyed getting to know him at Good News Baptist. His face was so sweet, he reflected his faith. I am happy to know he is with Our Savior.
November 29, 2016
Stacy MacLean Shiver
Dear Vicki, Tara, Erika & Family,
I am truly so sorry for your loss-our loss. So many of us are feeling the pains of sorrow while also feeling the joy of knowing he is with his Lord & loved ones who've gone on. I can't help but think of the hymn, "There is a Balm in Gilead" when I think of Jim. He always loved the choir to sing that hymn. You remain in my heart & prayers always.
I love you!
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