James R. Foster

Date of Death: February 3, 2012

James Riley Foster, 79, of West Lafayette passed away February 3. Jim was born October 7, 1932, in Greenfield, IN, to Lester and Lila (Smith) Foster. He graduated from Maxwell High School in Greenfield in 1950 and graduated from Purdue University in 1954 with a B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry. Jim served in the United States Army from 1954-56. He completed his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, in 1960. Jim joined the Animal Sciences Department at Purdue University where he was an Extension Swine Specialist from 1960 to 1994.
In 1961 Jim married Mary Lou Reeve (she survives). Also surviving are four children: Debbie (John) Rodibaugh of Rensselaer, IN; Steve (Lisa) Foster of Fishers, IN; Bob Foster of Milwaukee, WI; and Sandy (Rusty) Nelson of Lafayette. He is survived by 8 grandchildren and a brother, John Foster, of Ellensburg, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Jim knew Jesus Christ as Savior and served Him as Lord. He was an active member of Covenant Church where he served as a deacon and volunteered with New Focus. Jim was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. From 1965-67 Jim was in Brazil with a Purdue project at the University of Vicosa. He was inducted into the Livestock Breeder?s Hall of Fame at Purdue University in 1995. He was a member of the Lafayette Rotary Club. He was an avid runner and completed the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon eight times. He enjoyed Purdue basketball and football games, golfing, traveling, yard work and volunteering. Memorials may be made to Covenant Church.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Church in West Lafayette on Tuesday, February 7, at 11am. Private graveside service will be held prior to this at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Online condolences send to www.soller-baker.com.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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I have happy memories going to visit Uncle Jim and Aunt Marylou as a child, chasing kittens and playing with their children. As an adult, I have viewed Uncle Jim a lot like my Grandpa Tom, someone who combined a strong work ethic with much public service. Sending my prayers back to Indiana for his family today.

Our sympathy and deepest regrets go out to you at this difficult time.
Please know that we care about you and your family. Your family has always been thought of so highly by our family. It is our sincere hope that you will find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Bruce and Esther Madren
Tim Madren
Onalee (Madren) Clingenpeel

Dear MaryLou, Debbie, Steve, Bob and Sandy:

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Uncle Jim&s fabulous sense of humor. Love and hugs, Bev Prostine

I&m not sure if this is the same process as the legacy.com website but nevertheless.. I was saddened to hear of Jim&s passing. Jim was a wonderful Uncle to me and I cherish the waves of memories I have of Uncle Jim. I always admired Uncle Jim&s character and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Lou, Debbie, Steve, Bob, and Sandy and of course their families too.

Dave Prostine Cedar Rapids, Iowa

February 5, 2012

Dear Mary Lou and families?

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.

May you find comfort and hope from our thoughts and reassurances that others care and remember you in your loss and grief.

Although words from friends can?t take away the sadness you have in your heart or ease the loneliness that comes when loved ones have parted. Our trust is that you will find that inner strength to carry on?as a tribute, to Jim?s wonderful memories with you and with us!

Og Mandino, the famous author wrote, ?So each of us in our own way, endures our loss, but cherishes the memories. Just as it should be.?

However, when one?s heart is frozen in shock from the loss of a loved one; its family and friends who share their expressions of compassion and friendship which help to sustain us and softens the painful grieving process.

We deeply regret seeing you all lose such a precious loved one. We mourn the loss for you and celebrate Jim?s life in his memory?he was truly a wonderful man, respected friend and Extension Co-Worker.

Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We hope our message will bring you some measure of comfort. May peace replace your heartache and bountiful warm memories remain.

In closing, ?The nicest place to be is in someone?s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone?s prayers. And the best place to be is in God?s hands.?

With kindest regards?God Bless...

Cay and Norman

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Foster Family,

We send our prayers, love, and concern for each of you. We are very grateful for your father and husband. His faith and genuine love for His savior and all of God&s creation are a blessing and encouragement to us. I cherish each one of you, and I am sorry for your father&s and husband&s death. I will be praying for your comfort and strength.

Some of the most special times that I had as a child was with each one of you. Your family&s warmth was always so welcoming to me. Your father&s/husband&s breakfasts were always delicious, and I loved his sincere smiles and chuckles. He loved each one of you and was so proud of his family. I know that you are each proud of Him. May you find your peace in Jesus and His promises to you and your father/husband.

The Noels,
Todd, Yvonne, Josh, David, Paul, Isaac, John, and Sophia

Mere words are not enough to state the feelings of the four of us. Jim, Mary Lou and family are very dear to us. Many, many years have gone by since we first became neighbors. The kids grew up together with this wonderful Christian leadership and loving atmosphere. It is outstanding to know that we will all someday be together again with our Lord Jesus. Celebrate Jim&s being there to welcome us.
Much love, Marvin, Cathy, Curtis and Wendy

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.