James Kenneth Foster, age 88, died Friday, January 29, 2010 at his Durham home. He was born September 4, 1921 in Oak Park IL to the late John and Hilda Henning Foster.
Jim proudly served his country during WWII from 1940-1946 in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the South Pacific under General MacArthur’s command from New Guinea to the recapture of the Philippines. He completed his term of duty as a Major and continued his service in the Army Reserve in Chicago, IL.
Jim graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Accounting and Finance. His professional career began with Arthur Anderson as a CPA auditor and later as a partner in Martin, Johnson & Bolten Auditors.
In 1964, Jim moved to Durham to join Nello Teer Corp. as Treasurer and later joined Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Durham as Vice President and Treasurer where he retired in 1986.
As an active member of the Exchange Club of Durham, he served as Treasurer for 23 years. He received the Exchangite of the Year Award in 1991 and the Treasurer Emeritus Award in 2008. A loyal and dedicated member, Jim earned both awards for his many significant contributions. He also was a dedicated supporter of the Exchange Clubs’ Child Abuse Prevention Center.
A member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars, Jim loved his golf, bowling and photography. He and his wife, Dee, worked as volunteers for 20 years at the voter registration polls in Durham.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and companion of 62 years, Dorothy Marie Jorgensen Foster of Durham, NC; and his brother, Don Foster and wife, Marilyn, of Fort Smith, AR; and nineteen nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 5, 2010 at Trinity Ave. Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Donovan Drake presiding. A reception and visitation will follow in the Carr Narthex immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Exchange Clubs’ Child Abuse Prevention Center, 3708 Lyckan Parkway, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27707; or to Trinity Ave. Presbyterian Church, 927 W. Trinity Ave., Durham, NC 27701
Mike Foster
February 9, 2010 at 12:00 amOur condolences go out to Aunt Dorothy and we’ll miss you Uncle Jimmy. God Bless –
Mike nephew and son of your brother Richard, along with my wife and sons Sandra, Corey, Jesse, Codey and Garrett
The Fosters of Mesa, AZ
Diana/Bill Getzelmann
February 10, 2010 at 12:00 amDee,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and we knew him well paricularly when Bill was working with Coca-Cola. Many wonderful memories.
Fondly, Diana and Bill Getzelmann