Jimmy Fred Foil

Doctor's Hospital. Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years (though they were fast coming up on 36 years as of 8/8), Roney, and his sons Jim, David, Robert, and Roger and many nieces from New Orleans .

For those desiring, an opportunity is available Sunday for all to say farewell one last time at the:

Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home

10501 Garland Rd.

Dallas, TX 75218

(214) 327-8291

Please note that there is no scheduled viewing during this time, instead it is open for all to determine their own schedule. We thought to accommodate the greatest number of people we could in this manner.

A service is planned for Monday, 8/3 at the DFW National Cemetery. More information is found here: http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/dallasftworth.asp We would dearly love for all that can to come to the service and celebrate Jim's life one last time.

It is suggested to meet at Tienda & Restaurant Latina 4950 W Illinois Ave # 115 Dallas, TX 75211 as a rally point for all at 12:30PM in anticipation of the service scheduled for 1:00PM. This is approximately 2 miles from the national cemetery.

We are sure that Jim is now enjoying a long awaited cup of coffee with "Bubba" Ulmer and introducing him to his beloved beignets, while discussing how much the kids don't do what they should or are told while they are preparing for yet another fishing trip. Hopefully this one will be the one where they actually get to fish though this could be derailed by his love of travel. Perhaps instead of fishing, another grand adventure needs to be planned as Jim loved travel and seeing new things. In his last days, Jim was fervently planning on leasing a Ford F-150 for three months for the sole purpose of seeing Canton. He didn't have anything planned to be purchased there, it was just to go!

Jim was a gregarious individual who could see the humor in all instances. For one who repeatedly said he was debilitatingly shy one would never know this if they met him today. He simply could not meet a stranger, and if he did, would understand and know them within seconds. With a quick wit, and a keen sense of humor Jim would help anyone in need of assistance, though in his later years, he was unable to do this as much as he would like. In those instances, he would supervise as needed and offer freely advice to solve all problems encountered.

Jim Foil was born in Atlanta, GA and then moved to New Orleans, LA where he spent a number of years. Much of Jim's fondest memories were created during this time. There were many childhood exploits Jim enjoyed recalling over and over. There was fun in the retelling, as sometimes the details would change ever so slightly! Then came the day where Cecil was transferred to Dallas in 1958. While Dallas was Jim's new home, and would be the center of his life; New Orleans was what he considered home. There remains family there as well, which is great as they know where all the great places to eat are, and allowed Jim to thoroughly enjoy his visits and a chance to eat yet another beignet. We thank you all for putting up with this indulgence!!

Jim graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1960, then started college at University of North Texas in Denton. Ultimately, graduating from Texas AM-Commerce (though at the time it was called East Texas State University) with a BS in Industrial Technology, and a MS from University of Texas El Paso. In 1980, he married Roney and remained unable to get to bed before midnight for the next 35 years!

Jim spent the majority of his years teaching others industrial arts, english, content mastery, etc. as well special education. Prior to this, Jim served in the military as a maintenance officer eventually rising to rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves. Jim also had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and put this into practice by driving a large truck for a couple of years- though Roney quickly made him respectable again after being on the road.

Jim had several hobbies over his life. His friend "Bubba" would participate in many of these interests. However, singularly, each was a danger to themselves and others, but when paired together, the results were typically far from what was intended or expected. Neither were overly concerned with safety and as an example, Little Jimmy cannot think of a successful fishing trip throughout his life. There are many memories of engines falling off a boat, or having to row for miles back to shore, or having a propeller shear, or having the transom ripped off and/or the boat sinking; of losing anchors, poles, and all things necessary TO fish, but somehow never actually needing a net for FISH. To this day, it is still believed that WD40 increases bites from fish though how this was tested or for that matter, why it was ever used is now lost to the ages.

Jim was a consummate creator, but unfortunately, was also easily bored (it is thought any way). The house remains littered with projects attentively built with exact detail only to be suspended above the play room or built in the playroom to occupy the majority of space there. In one discussion with Jim, the reason for this came about. Jim loved to create; it was about the chase to find all parts needed for a given task or model. The intricacies of planning all the details needed to successfully complete a project were what attracted Jim. Once in discussion to better understand this, Little Jim learned it was the creative process that he enjoyed. Once something was complete, it was not as fun. It was finished and the next project was sought!

From the Air Force, a love of aviation and planes was formed. Jim loved to go to the airport and watch planes. He liked to go in them as well- as long as someone else piloted them, though he did enjoy taking the stick himself and controlling the airplane whenever he could. Jim would often speak in seeming code to whomever was near regarding a "Gooneybird" from time to time. Though explained, Little Jim still can't recall what a "Gooneybird" is... :(

Perhaps as a result of travel from the military, Jim loved spending time in different places throughout his life; of which there were many! When younger, Jim would spend hours working on cars. In his mind, he was saving money by working on them himself and this would benefit the family. Sometimes this turned out be the case, while other times, well, the car still needed the attention of a true professional. In these instances, perhaps the expected savings wasn't realized...Still, with practice, the car would be running again. Typically, several beers to contemplate what was causing the problem, and to recover from the heat, would be needed and then the vehicle in question would be purring.

For a number of years, the venue of male bonding was down "at the lake". Here, there were many activities. Some of these included fishing (the stated reason for going down there), but other activities included videos that could not have been viewed elsewhere, rebuilding the trailer altogether (not normally disclosed until it was observed that on a "fishing" trip, poles were forgotten). Alas, the lake getaway was given up when Jim determined he was spending more time mowing the grass than watching movies or fishing at the lake...and doing much of this alone, for he was a very social person who loved being around others.

Still, Jim spent time with the Masons and Shriners; devoting much time to Demolay and other endeavors bettering those around him. Jim was a member of Roy Stanly Lodge, the Scottish Rite, and the Hella Temple.

The lake was replaced by the blue chair ultimately; which oddly enough, was synchronized with his retirement from teaching. Jim would then spend hours in his chair watching the Oxygen channel. When asked why, in his words, "To better know the enemy." No one knows where his eclectic taste in broadcast TV arose from; knowing instead only that he alone shared it. He would watch many shows on Alien Abduction, or true crime, and oddly....a LOT of what is commonly referred to as "Chick Flicks". Yes, his sensitive side was visible to all, though more often than not, one would find him asleep in the chair. Apparently, his choice of shows put HIM to sleep as well as any who attempted to watch with him.

There was always time to relax by going to a movie though as he loved getting out and going to the show. The types of movies sought were far ranging in type and character. Sometimes, Jim and Roney would venture to a private venue to see an "artsy" type movie, while other times, it would be the latest big budget action movie that barely had a plot, but promised to entertain. Jim didn't care, as the experience itself was what was enjoyed.

One recurring hobby that was revisited from youth to his latest years was that of model trains. There are a very confusing number of permutations of types of trains. In this, the usual configuration is not used to help clarify just what is being discussed. No, instead, language designed to be obtuse and just down right confusing is used. What is an Engage? Or is it N gauge? Who knows...apparently, it is a little tiny train. These were replaced by bigger trains- still have no idea what those are called, but it was an amazing transformation in Jim as he would become extremely animated discussing trains of his youth that reminded him of happy times and fond memories.

Still, Jim is easily bored, with visions of what can be often getting in the way of what is. Jim decided one time he needed a sail boat. Jim hasn't sailed in his life, nor really had an interest in sailing until the day he woke to think this would be a good idea. The family thinks it was a result of him passing one for sale and determining it was a "good deal." This would become his project for a couple of years. Jim would lovingly detail all parts of the sail boat, refurbishing it from stem to stern. Of course, over the couple of years this took, and then sat after completion, it never actually was ever put into the water and sailed. This was more a dry dock sail boat- meant to be admired, but not used. Perhaps it was also due to Jim not knowing a thing about sailing...

Though, this did ignite a love of bigger boats which allowed him to discover those miraculous wonders known as CRUISE SHIPS which were piloted by professional sailors, and on which he could be fed continuously a dizzying array of food types and not be bored as there were many bright and flashing lights. Alaska and New England cruises became his favorites.

To all who are reading this, we hope you have enjoyed, but would ask something of you as well. Please take a few moments and add to the memories by sharing your fondest memories of Jim here as well. We really appreciate!!

Thanks, Jim