of Little Rock, AR
September 10, 2014
The Reverend James Cleveland Foster (Jim) of Little Rock died on September 10, 2014. He was born in Moorefield on May 5, 1933. His parents were Cleveland and Una Foster. Jim grew up in Batesville, AR and graduated as valedictorian from Batesville High School in 1951. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Accounting. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Jim was in the ROTC and served in the US Army Reserves for 8 years.
Jim is survived by Nancy, his wife of 54 years, his son COL (Ret.) Phil (Wendy) of Dallas, TX and Carol of Menlo Park, CA; four grandchildren, Christina (Kevin) Sanchez of McDill Air Force Base, FL, Jennifer Foster of Oklahoma City, OK and Megan and Cody Wiebe of Menlo Park, CA; two great grandchildren, Aundrea and Hosea Sanchez; his sisters Margaret (Ray) Tanner of Memphis, TN and Ellen (Bill) Sayle of Collierville, TN; and a niece and six nephews.
Jim had a 32 year career with Southwestern Bell, AT&T and AT&T Bell Laboratories before becoming a United Methodist minister. He received his Masters of Divinity from St. Paul Seminary in 1990 before serving at Trinity UMC, Sulphur Springs UMC, Oak Forest UMC, and First United Methodist Church of Little Rock. In retirement, he continued as an active member of First United Methodist Church. Known as Brother Jim, he lived out his strong faith in God in service to others and touched countless lives.
Jim was a member of West Little Rock Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was an avid Razorback fan and was a season ticket holder for over 50 years. Jim played golf twice a week with the same two friends for more than 10 years and parred a hole at Pebble Beach, CA on his 70th birthday. Jim was a lead tenor and soloist in the choirs of the churches he attended and led.
A loyal, life long friend to many, Jim reached out to all those whose paths he crossed. He will be celebrated; he will be remembered; and he will be missed.
Visitation will be Friday, September 12th, 2014 from 4:00- 6:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201. A celebration of his life will be held at First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 13th, 2014. A private burial will be in Batesville, AR at Oaklawn Cemetery following the service. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR. (501) 224-8300.
Memorials may be made to Oak Forest UMC Food Pantry, 2415 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72204 and First United Methodist Church.
Nancy and family, please know that you are in my continued thoughts and prayers. Rev. Foster will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to the family. The outpouring and love and concern that was extended to me and my family during my mom's illness was warm and brought peace to all of us. May God continue his blessings and bring comfort and joy throughout the years.
Nancy and family, So sorry for your loss. We share good memories of you and Jim with Dale and Gail. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Nancy, Phil and Carol;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Jim was someone very special to many many people. I have always considered you to be my little sister, Nancy. Our family has been so very blessed to have you as our friends. We may be far away but our hearts are with you today.
With love,
Pat and Steve
Nancy and family, Sending our deepest condolences from the Hughes family.
We are so sorry and shocked to read about Jim...He was so kind to everyone and especially us.. Our prayers are with you and your families..Love, Shirley and Quinton
Nancy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Nick and I remember Jim as a compassionate and gentle man who traveled all the way to Colorado just before Christmas in 2003 to officiate at the funeral service for my mother (his aunt) Ina Mae Milligan. His presence at that time provided welcome solace to our family. We hope that you may now find solace in knowing and remembering what a loving and caring man Jim was and how much he meant to so many.
Nancy and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful Man and Person. He will be missed by all.
Judy Milligan (cousin)
Josh Hall (2nd cousin)
A member of my BHS graduating class of 1951, Jim was a very close friend and a neighbor growing up. I am so sorry that he passed away but know he is with Jesus and we will see him again.
I really enjoyed visiting with Jim at the monthly Pike lunches. Usually I was the yougest member to attend it was great to hear all the old stories of when they were in the house. My Prayers are with your family.
Nancy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Jim are some of the nicest people I have known. Mother really enjoyed knowing both of you at Trinity.
Annette Williams
Nancy,
You and your Family are in my prayers. Jim was not only a wonderful person but a great boss as I recall his helpful guidance at SWBT.
Forrest Reynolds
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that prayers are being said for the entire family. God Bless.
Jim was a wonderful man that brightened every room with his positive energy. He will be greatly missed by all those that loved him. God Bless.