J.Y. "Jack" Foster

Clive

J.Y. “Jack” Foster died Friday, May 8, 2015, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. His death resulted from complications following a stroke suffered in early 2014. He was 90 years old.

Born at home in New Virginia, IA on November 19, 1924, to Elmer E. and Jeanne C. Foster, he attended elementary school in Dallas Center, IA following his family’s move there when his father became the community’s superintendent of schools. In 1938, the family moved to Des Moines, IA and Foster graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1942. He attended Iowa State University prior to serving in World War II. During the war, he received his commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, serving as a fighter pilot from 1943-1945. Following his honorable discharge, Foster earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Northrop Aeronautical Institute in Inglewood, CA. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1966.

Foster was president of Fairtron Corporation and Fair-Play Scoreboards, an internationally-known manufacturer of electronic scoreboards and timing devices located in Des Moines. He served in leadership roles in many civic organizations, most notably during the construction and early years of the Riverfront YMCA, and similarly the Des Moines Science Center. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. A past member of the Des Moines Choral Society, in recent years Foster had enjoyed singing with the Urbandale Senior Singers. Throughout his life, Foster maintained his passion for flying, and was an avid skier, tennis player, and bicyclist.

In May 1950, Foster married Shirley J. Stimson. They have four children, Alan (Kathi) of Windsor Heights, IA; Michelle (John Davenport) of Paeonian Springs, VA; Denise (Alan) Holck of Des Moines; and David (Linda) of Norwalk. He is survived by his wife, children, and four grandchildren: Athena Foster of Madison, WI; Margot Foster of Kansas City, MO; and Jack and Patrick Foster of Norwalk. He is also survived by a brother, Robert P. Foster of West Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m. at the church in the Greenwood Room.

Memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of Greater Des Moines or the Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America.