James Edward Foels

Remembering a Life Well-Lived

Captain James E. Foels was born on April 27, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio to Clarence and Carlene (Goller) Foels. He was a devoted Lutheran, whose faith guided him throughout his life and was reflected in his kindness, humor, and dedication to his family and community.

His early education was spent at Immanuel Lutheran School. In 1955, he graduated from Whitmer High School where he played football and excelled academically. A chance reading of a brochure from the Coast Guard Academy was to completely change the course of his life. His four years at the Academy were challenging but he was able to find time to play football and make lifelong friends. Later, he earned a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Jim’s time at the Academy laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and camaraderie. His experiences there not only shaped his professional journey but also instilled in him the values of integrity, honor, and dedication that he carried throughout his life.

He graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1959, embarking on a distinguished career that would span decades and take him to assignments across the nation. Jim found it a bit ironic that his first assignment was as gunnery officer on the Coast Guard cutter BIBB in Boston, as he had never passed a gunnery course at the Academy. He attended flight school in Pensacola and Corpus Christi. His first aviation assignment was Kodiak, Alaska, despite his request for Bermuda! He flew the HU-16 E fixed wing aircraft and was on the first flight out after the 1964 Alaskan earthquake and tidal waves.

He then moved on to Air Station San Diego, which included a trip to flight school in Florida, where he learned to fly the HH-52 helicopter. After serving as a flight instructor in Mobile, he traded the cockpit for an office at headquarters in Washington DC. From there, he served as Executive Officer at Air Station Barber’s Point, Hawaii. His 25 years of aviation ended by Jim serving as the Commanding Officer at the very busy Air Station Miami during the Mariel Boat Lift. For his work in Miami, he was honored to have been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Jim’s last five years in the Coast Guard were spent as the Athletic Director at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Upon retiring from the Coast Guard, he felt fortunate to continue with his love of athletics by working as the Athletic Director at Oberlin College.

Jim’s introduction to his beloved wife and partner, Sharry (Trimble), was serendipitous. Sharry’s mother—renowned for her discerning taste—introduced the two via telephone after she and Jim both reached for the last shrimp on the platter at a Coast Guard party in Boston. Jim and Sharry’s first date the following evening was the start of a whirlwind courtship culminating in a 65-year marriage filled with love, unconditional trust, and a dash of humor for good measure.

Jim earned his “JimDad” nickname from his adoring grandchildren, who knew him as much for his legendary hugs, his chocolate chip pancakes, and infamous dad sayings like “Heavens to Murgatroyd!” If he wasn't playing a sport, he was watching one, coaching his four children in one, or traveling miles to cheer on his fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sports weren’t just a pastime—they were a way of life. His dedication was put to the test when running not one but two marathons while stationed in Hawaii. His positive nature made him especially good with children. Never one to pass up a second slice of pie or a good story, he filled our lives with laughter and warmth.

The last 25 years for Jim and Sharry have included international travel, volunteering at the Naval Academy Chapel, participating in Operation Welcome Home greeting returning troops at BWI airport, background acting in movies filmed in the D.C. area, and enjoying spending quality time with his family.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Sharry, daughters Christy (Clark), Stacy (Roger), Kelly (Doug), and son Craig (Pam), and fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered by his brothers Mel (Dawn) and Larry (Janet) and was preceded in death by his sister Nan (Ed). He also leaves behind a devoted extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory and the warmth he brought to their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you share a smile, tell a favorite Jim story, maybe spend money on a good shrimp cocktail, or donate to your favorite charity in his name because he always believed in making the world a little brighter and a lot more fun.

Internment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.