James Allen Foster passed away peacefully Friday, December 10th, 2021, after suffering a stroke in May

2020. Jim was born December 30th, 1942, in Elba, Alabama to Tommy & Dell Foster. He graduated high

school in 1960 and immediately joined the United States Air Force, graduating boot camp in San

Antonio, TX. He married Joyce Mathis on September 16th, 1962, while stationed at Barkesdale Air Force

Base in Bossier City, LA. Jim trained to be a map-maker using aerial reconnaissance to discover & select

enemy locations as the Vietnam War escalated. After five years of service, the Fosters received orders

for Clark AFB in the Philippines. The young couple was soon blessed to have a daughter, Sherry. By 1968

he returned to Barkesdale AFB; until transferring again in 1970 to his final duty station, March AFB in

Moreno Valley, CA. At March, Jim laterally trained with the Military Police, eventually promoted to

being in charge of all base security. On June 20th, 1980, after serving 20-years, he retired as a Master

Sargent.

Jim transitioned into civilian life by moving to Houston, TX. Jim had been fond of Texas since his days in

boot camp. He began work for an oil-industry research exploration firm called TetraTech as a draftsman.

In 1983 he accepted a position as lead computer draftsman for another firm called Texas Eastern. Texas

Eastern went through several buyouts and mergers becoming Panhandle Eastern and eventually Duke

Energy. Jim's steady hand and leadership provided continuity to his employers during every new change.

Jim's life changed dramatically, following his divorce, when he married a feisty executive secretary who

he had originally met while working at TetraTech. James Foster and Judy Terrell were married on

Valentine's Day, 1990; and two stepsons, Kelly & Todd Terrell were added to his family. In 2000, after

working in the private-sector for another 20-years, Jim retired for a second time. That year, Jim

purchased 40 acres of land in rural Huntsville, TX; then designed and built his & Judy's dream home by

their private lake. In 'retirement,' Jim treasured his time serving at the local church that he & Judy

joined; fishing, gardening; lending a hand with landscaping or lawn mowing; and helping others with

computer hardware or software issues. Jim & Judy loved hosting friends & relatives. Jim was always

willing to help others in need; he was a good friend, a loving father, a dear husband, and a kind soul. He

and Judy were married 31 years; they had a beautiful love story which they would tell anyone who

would listen.

Jim is preceded in death by; his father & mother, Tommy & Dell Foster of Leeds, AL; his grandson, Caleb

Wright of Cypress, TX; his 1st wife, Joyce Mathis Foster of Houston, TX; his brother-in-law, Wayne

Simmons of Leeds, AL; his stepson, Todd Terrell of Huntsville, TX; and his wife, Judy Foster of Huntsville,

TX. He is preparing a place in the future for; his brother, Joe & wife Judy Foster of Ohatchee, AL; his

sister, Jean Simmons of Leeds, AL; his daughter, Sherry & husband Wade Wright of Cypress, TX; his

stepson, Kelly & wife Meredith Terrell of Woodbridge, NJ; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

much extended family; and numerous friends.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday January 8, 2022, at 4:00 P.M. Waller-Thornton Funeral Home Huntsville.