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James Foley Obituary
James Wright Foley was born on October 18, 1973 in Evanston, Illinois. He was the first born son of Diane and John Foley of Rochester, New Hampshire.
Jim grew up in the beautiful town of Wolfeboro. He was the oldest of five children. After graduating from Kingswood High School in 1992, he chose to go to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At Marquette, he made life-long friends and was challenged to serve the voiceless. From 1996 to 2000, he served 4 years with Teach for America, teaching in inner city Phoenix, Arizona.
Jim was drawn to writing and completed an MFA program in writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2002. While in Massachusetts, he taught unwed mothers to help them achieve their GED and later in Chicago, taught English to inmates at the Cook county Jail.
By becoming a photojournalist, Jim was able to merge his interest in writing with his compassion for the poor, disadvantaged and suffering amid conflict. Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Illinois granted him this opportunity. He began in Iraq, then Afghanistan, then Libya and finally Syria. Jim was detained by Colonel Gadaffi's Libyan regime in 2011 for 44 days; but finally released.
In January of 2012, Jim began what would be many trips in and out of northern Syria as a freelance photojournalist. He began cautiously, but then gained confidence as he met kind and hospitable Syrians, who offered him their generous hospitality. Jim was last home in October 2012 to visit and celebrate his birthday. Our last phone call with Jim was one week before he was kidnapped on 11/22/12 in northern Syria. Our family never heard his voice again.
Jim was executed by ISIS on August 19, 2014, in the Raqqa region of Syria.
He is survived by his beloved maternal grandmother, Olga M. Wright, his parents, and his siblings Michael, John, Mark, and Kathryn Foley. Three beloved nephews are Michael, Matthew, and Jack, and his niece, Rori. Other close family include Rita &Fernando Colina, Robert and Paula Foley, Martha and William Jackson, William and Sally Foley and 11 cousins. He is predeceased by his cousin, Patrick and his paternal grandparents, John and Marilyn Foley of Plymouth, and his maternal grandfather, Elliot A. Wright of Keene.
All friends of Jim are cordially invited to his final Memorial Mass in Celebration of his Life will be held on the occasion of his 41st birthday, Saturday, October 18, 2014. His celebration will take place at the at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary church at 189 North Main St. Rochester, N.H. at 10 a.m. followed by a lunch buffet.
Please RSVP at jamesfoleyfund.org so we can welcome all with enough seating and food.
The Foley family has established a James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in memory of Jim to keep his passions for freedom and education alive. Please visit jamesfoleyfund.org to help Jim live on through his foundation.
Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Foley
Steve and Linda Janelle
September 26, 2014
We got to know Jim through you, his conviction, strength and courage will stay with us forever.
Treasure his memories and love, no one can take these from you and they will forever bless you.
Jim has made such a positive contribution to this world, he has made his mark and will never be forgotten.
Blessings...
Dianne Scott
September 25, 2014
Dr/Mrs Foley and family,
My deepest condolences for the passing of your son & brother. I cannot comprehend the level of your loss. I commend you all for your strength and pray the memories and the acknowledgment of Jim's courage, determination, and dedication to his passion will carry you through these difficult days.
September 25, 2014
May your family's faith in God carry your through such a difficult time. James has left such an impact on people, who are now beginning to see what he was working toward in life; compassion and caring awareness and a desire for mankind to help one another throughout the world. May God's love bring you through.
Heather M
September 24, 2014
My deepest condolences for the loss of your son and the pain you are feeling. I didn't personally know him but feel the hurt of such a tragic loss. He was so brave to be doing the job he did and we all thank him and you as well. Our hearts go out to you all during this hard time and we will continue to pray.
Patty (Sencabaugh) Topp
September 24, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the entire Foley family. I grew up in Plymouth where John, Marilyn and their children were well known and well-respected. The Foleys are a strong family with a deep faith. I pray that your memories of Jim and your faith provide you with comfort now and in the future. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly sorry for your loss. The world has lost a true hero.
Corrine and Terry Cassavaugh
September 23, 2014
Our Deepest Sympathy. Such a terrible and sad loss. May God Bless you with strength.
Jennifer Best
September 23, 2014
Dr Foley and family my heart hurts for this terrible tragedy . My thought's and prayer's are with you all . God bless.
Mark & Deborah Starin
September 23, 2014
On behalf of myself and my family we wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the untimely passing of James. Our hearts go out to you and we wish you blessings of comfort at this very difficult time.
Deb Roy
September 23, 2014
May God give you strength and comfort in your loss. For Good loving people we find it hard to understand the horrific act that caused James death. Peace be with you and yours
Pat M
September 23, 2014
May God bless James. I did not know you but I honor your life and death as a true American. Rest in peace James
Pam G
September 21, 2014
May God Bless the Foley family, James you were a brave man; your compassion was "truly" everything. You have shown alot with your kind & caring heart. I think that runs in the family!! May you now RIP, there is no more pain.
Trish Bishop
September 21, 2014
Dear Diane and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you. Please embrace the comfort, love and care from your family and friends. You endured a brave and optimistic battle. May your fond memories be a source of comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trish Pellegrino
September 19, 2014
My heartfelt thanks to all the Foley family for their sacrifice and condolences on the loss of their son to that horrific group. May God make him our Guardian Angel of Peace.
Steph~
September 19, 2014
My condolences go out to the Foley family. May God, the Hearer of Prayer, bring comfort to family and friends (Psalms 65: 2).
Please accept sympathy with love,
September 19, 2014
To the Foley family. The compassion James had for people in need must have been born in him and nurtured by the love he received from his family and friends. We are all heartbroken by your loss. Know he is at peace now.
Karen Domenech
September 18, 2014
1 Corinthians 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
James brought the truth out from the shadows of the darkness of evil and into the light. He is a son of God, a soldier of Christ. He loved God's people no matter where they lived.
Mother Teresa said,"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." James knew that "our own homes" included countries where the less fortunate lived.
We pray for peace and solace for James family and friends. May your faith carry you forth knowing that God is with you, even in your darkest hours.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
Paula & Ralph Dagenais
September 17, 2014
We extend our sincere condolences to the Foley family! We have a son Jim's age who lives in Rochester where we were from and I think of what if this was our son. (Oh how sad)Rest in Peace Jim!!! Sincerely Paula & Ralph Dagenais
Richard & Sharon Starkey
September 17, 2014
Our prayers are with your family. I knew you when I worked for an eye doctor. I cannot even begin to know what you are all going through but, as a Christian I have no doubt that Jim is in a much better place than we are. I pray that his death will not be in vain..... his mission was peace in this world and I pray that peace will come from his death.
Robert J Doyle
September 17, 2014
Dear Dr. John, Diane and all of your family.
This morning I read Jim's obituary, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so very sorry. John you are the best Doctor I have ever known,you did not deserve this, nor did Jim. Most sincerely, Bobby Doyle
Cindy Fowler
September 16, 2014
God Bless all of you in this devastating loss. I join many in knowing that he was a true hero and I hope that you will all find comfort in the memories of him. My respect and sympathy goes out to you.
Trevor Economos
September 16, 2014
Dr. Foley,
As a patient of yours for many years, it is easy to see where James' caring nature came from. There are no words I can offer except to express my sincere sympathy for your loss. I too have a son and a daughter and I can only imagine the sadness and despair associated with a loss like you have endured. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Donlon Family
September 16, 2014
To the Foley Family, Our family has been praying for your peace and strength during this very difficult journey. We can't imagine your grief and struggle along with many that can't understand the type of evil that took James from you. We do know that James is a hero and his story WILL bring change to what has been silent for too long. We were at the Holy Rosary service for James and did not get to give our condolences to you because of the crowds but know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Muriel Lucas
September 16, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Foley Family. James is a very handsome Man
Turgeon
September 16, 2014
Dear Foley Family-
We would like to offer you our sincerest condolences. Although we did not know Jim personally, through church and mutual friends I feel as though we did. We have you all in our hearts, and in our prayers.
The Turgeon Family,
John, Laura & Nicholas
September 16, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Foley, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in your time of loss.
Ron & Windy Tancrede
September 16, 2014
My son was in James' class at Kingswood and speaks highly of him. Wanted to add our sympathies for your loss.
September 16, 2014
I Felt An Angel
I felt an angel near today, though one I could not see
I felt an angel oh so close, sent to comfort me
I felt an angel's kiss, soft upon my cheek
And oh, without a single word of caring did it speak
I felt an angel's loving touch, soft upon my heart
And with that touch, I felt the pain and hurt within depart
I felt an angel's tepid tears, fall softly next to mine
And knew that as those tears did dry a new day would be mine
I felt an angel's silken wings enfold me with pure love
And felt a strength within me grow, a strength sent from above
I felt an angel oh so close, though one I could not see
I felt an angel near today, sent to comfort me.
~Author Unknown
Sue Gregoire
September 16, 2014
Dr. Foley and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. You have been a fabulous doctor and friend to my son, Ken. You were always so caring. Your family and son James, are such an inspiration, if we more great people in the world like yourselves it would be a better place to live.
M/M Larry Landolfi
September 16, 2014
John, Diane, and family -
Our love and prayers are ongoing. I know you know we will always be there for you and your family in ANY need. Jim will always be in our prayers...YOU will always be in our prayers. Larry & I cannot tell express how deeply sorry we are for this grievous loss. There are no words. ONLY LOVE.
Dawn Labrie
September 16, 2014
James is now in Heaven looking over all.He was a true Hero.May his soul rest in Peace.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kim Hashem-Dugal
September 16, 2014
Dr. , Mrs Foley and family -
My mother was a long time patient of Dr. Foley and I want to send my families deepest sympathy to yours --So very very sorry for your loss .
Jim Farr
September 16, 2014
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Foley and family,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family throughout the entire ordeal you and Jim endured. Words are insufficient at such a time of horror and loss. However, please know that those who know you personally and millions of others around the world share in your pain and loss and are ready to support you at this time.
May Jim's legacy be an inspiration to others and may you be able to take comfort in knowing how many people Jim touched.
Elaine & Val Deschenes
September 16, 2014
Dr. and Mrs. Foley, our thoughts and prayers have been with Jim and your family during these difficult times. God has taken him to his kingdom and he is at peace. God Bless you as we will be with you in spirit on his birthday.
Loretta Berry
September 16, 2014
My deepest sympathies are offered to the Foley family for the strength from our Blessed Lord.God Bless you
Meg & Jim Lark
September 16, 2014
May Jim's memory be eternal, and may he be numbered in the company of the saints. Our prayers are with all of you.
Susan
September 16, 2014
I believe that God has a special place in Heaven for James. Please know that he is in comfort now, helping the needy from up above.
Deb Burr
September 16, 2014
Diane and Jim, My husband George and I had the pleasure of meeting you at a recent wedding. I knew of your son through the Brittons. We are so heartfully sorry for your loss. The kingdom of heaven is filled I'm sure with the brightest of angels now. God Bless
September 16, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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