James Foster

James Walter Foster, "Jim","Jimmy" or "Jiggy" as he was called by his loved ones, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 62 on December 31st, 2013. He was a most loved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.

Jim was born on January 19th, 1951 in Dallas, TX to parents Bill Foster and Ruth (Shumacher) Foster. He was the second of their 5 children and grew up alongside his two sisters and two brothers in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. Jim and his first wife, Chris Harkes, had a son, Daniel James, born in 1971. Jim lived for a short time in Houston before making a move to Austin.

Austin is where he met and became a beloved husband to Gale Lynn Gainer. They married in August of 1977 and made Austin their forever home. Together they had two daughters- Lindsey Marie, born in 1980 and followed by her sister, Julie Elizabeth, born in 1983. Jim was also a proud grandfather to Carter James and Jack Elliott. Man, how they loved their Papa.

Jim studied at the University of Texas at Austin and began what would become a long career in technology; almost always alongside his good friend, Chris Hempel. He understood computers in a way that few others do and was most proud of the recent launch of the University of Texas Advanced Computing Center's (TACC) "Stampede," which is ranked one of the fastest, most advanced computers in the world. It was a quiet, humble kind of pride. That's just how he rolled.

Jim loved his family. Everyone always said it was a better time when Uncle Jimmy was around. And it was. Life of the party I tell you! He loved his children unconditionally. He loved the beach, it was his happy place. He loved music and could spend hours just listening to his favorites- or hours talking to you about the greats from long ago. He was soft spoken; a thinker and a listener. He had this amazing ability to stay calm, no matter the circumstances (except when the Longhorns made stupid plays) and always exuded a quiet type of strength. He will be remembered for all of these things and more. So much more.

Jim is survived by his wife Gale; his children, Daniel Foster, Lindsey Foster, Julie Matheny (Tyler); and his grandsons, Carter and Jack Matheny. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Murphy (John), brothers David Foster and Robert Foster, sisters Barbara Jarvis (John) and Cathy Jarvis (Jim); and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends who all loved him dearly. Jim is preceded in death by his father, William Roderick Foster and his grandparents.

Jim and his family are long time members of Tarrytown United Methodist Church. His Celebration of Life service will be in the church sanctuary on Friday, January 3rd at 3:00pm. A reception will follow the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Autism Speaks Society by going to www.Austismspeaks.org or to an animal shelter/adoption agency of your choice. And please, spend some time listening to music that stirs your soul. We suggest starting with "Mack the Knife".