James Lee Foster

Col. James Lee Foster, USAF ret., of Glendale, Arizona, passed away in his home on Monday, October 31, 2011 at the age of 80. He was born January 10, 1931 in Marion, Ohio to the late Leroy and Ellen Foster. Much of his childhood was spent on his Grandparents farm in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. In 1943 the family moved to Tucson, Arizona where Jim graduated from Tucson High School. At age 20 he enlisted in the USAF and was accepted into the Aviation Cadets In 1953 he graduated from pilot training as a Second Lieutenant received his wings, and achieved his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot. He was assigned to the 48th fighter wing in Chaumont, France where he was selected to fly right wing on the elite Skyblazers acrobatic team.In 1954 while on leave visiting his family in Albuquerque, New Mexico he met Evelyn Renee Northrup. They continued to write to each other,and Jim proposed marriage. She flew to Chaumont and on February 17, 1956 they were married. Here their daughter Kimberly was born. In 1957 Jim was transferred to Clovis, New Mexico where their second daughter Chris was born. Other assignments included Turkey, and then Luke AFB in Arizona. While stationed here Jim flew the F-100 and was an instructor pilot, transitioned to the F-104 Starfighter, and in 1967 served in Vietnam. He became a Squadron Commander and as an instructor pilot he trained German pilots at Luke on the F-104. In 1973 he was promoted to full Colonel and appointed as the USAF advisor to the Ambassador in Bonn, Germany and was stationed there until retiring to Glendale in 1975. During his military service Jim received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Legion of Merit Awards. He is the designer of the Arizona State Vietnam Veteran’s War Memorial located at the capitol building in Phoenix. His design was then used as a model for the National Women’s Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C Jim lost his wife Eve in a tragic car accident in 1994. He filled those lonely days enjoying his family which now included two Son in laws and 6 grandchildren. In 2001 he met the lovely Dorothy Brooks at the El Charro restaurant in Scottsdale, and they were married in 2003. They have enjoyed 8 years of marriage, and Dorothy has been a loving wife, and caregiver to Jim. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man who loved his country, his family and life. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Kim Norris and her husband Robin, daughter Chris John and husband Dale, seven grandchildren; Mollie Pottle and her husband Jared, Tessa Davis and husband Adam, Jamie Davis and husband Jordan, Katie Price and her husband Aaron, Jacie John, Evelyn John and only Grandson Joshua John, and 6 great grandchildren. Services will be Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the LDS Chapel 8702 W. Campbell, Phoenix 85037, with a viewing at 10:00 and services at 11:00. Arrangements are being made by AL Moore and Grimshaw Mortuary.Arrangements under the direction of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, Phoenix, AZ.