James Foster

James P. Foster, Lt Col USAF Retired, born on November 3, 1940 returned to his maker on April 2, 2019 at the age of 78.

James entered the United States Air Force in 1963 commissioned thru AFROTC with 1,200 civilian flying hours. In 1965 after completing training and helicopter school James was a careered Combat Rescue Pilot in both Helicopters and Fixed Winged Air Craft. In 1979 he was a Combat Rescue Pilot-IP/FE Chief of Wing Safety in Eglin AFB FL which led him to become the Rescue Squadron Operations Officer UH1N-FE, at Hill AFB UT and the Chief of Flying Operations FE in Warren AFB WY until his retirement in September 1986. Throughout his career James received numerous awards to include two Air Medals, six Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Force Commendation Medals.

After retirement James served his community working as a substitute teacher, volunteered for the San Antonio American Red Cross and the SAMMC information desk at the hospital. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church where he served as an Usher and a Eucharistic minister, taking communion to the sick and homebound.

James wife of 21 years, Joyce, along with his son, James Jr. & wife Tara; and grandson, James III survive him. He is also survived by three step children: Pamela Stahl (Craig), Stacey Row and Paul Schuerger along with grandchildren, Matthew Stahl, Michael Stahl, Elizabeth Stahl, Abby Row, Emily Row, and Tyler Lange. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice M. Sweik Foster, his parents, sister, Joan and son, Jeff.

A Visitation will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5:00PM-8:00PM with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marion, on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 11:00AM with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donation be made to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E Ohio Suite 500, Chicago IL 60611.

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