James Edwin "Jim" Foster

James Foster Obituary

FOSTER, JAMES EDWIN ("JIM") passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on March 16, 2013. Jim was born on March 1, 1948 in Far Rockaway, New York. He was a quiet, content boy who brought much joy to his parents. He was an inseparable companion in those early years to his older sister, Alix. After graduating cum laude from Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he matriculated in the law school at the University of Miami, from which he received his Juris Doctor in 1972. He married his first wife,
Myra, in 1968. While in law school, he fathered his first child, Beth Ann, and within a couple of years, his second daughter, Lesa Renee, was born. He moved with his young family to Orlando where Jim clerked for a federal district court judge. A bright, young attorney, he joined forces with Roger Kelly in 1985 to open their own law practice in Orlando. Jim was a prodigious worker and soon had a thriving practice. In the late 1980s, Jim met the love of his life, Sandrea, and spent the remainder of his life, loving and being loved by her. Truer soul mates could not be found. They traveled each year to Telluride, Colorado where Jim enjoyed the thrill of the slopes. And when Sandrea gave birth to their daughter, Morgan Marie, the three of them soon were trekking off to Colorado, often joined by dear friends, Denise and Tom Durkee and their daughter, Lauren. Their trips were special highlights of his year - a combination of skiing and family time. Jim closed his practice in the mid-1990s and joined Akerman Senterfitt, a prestigious law firm in Orlando, as a partner. While at Akerman Senterfitt, Jim developed a reputation as a tenacious litigator. As a commercial trial attorney, Jim litigated throughout the country as lead counsel for Fortune 500 companies in matters involving complex business disputes. Jim was named by Benchmark Litigation as a Florida litigation star for Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation. Jim was a consummate mentor to other attorneys in the firm--- always willing to listen and share his knowledge and experience. His open door policy extended informally to assist friends and family. Throughout most of his career, his paralegal and friend, Arlene, was at his side -- each encouraging the other along the way. Other than his family and skiing, Jim loved nothing more than the challenge of a complex legal issue. He enjoyed his work and felt very fortunate to have work that gave him so much satisfaction and pleasure. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandrea, his daughters, Beth, Lesa and Morgan, his sister, Alix Foster (husband Rick Shorten), his sister-in-law and her husband, Shirley and Charles
Tanner, and many, many dear friends, colleagues and relatives. As his cousin said when learning of his death, "Jim occupied a big space in our lives". A viewing will take place on Wednesday, March 20th from 5-8 PM at the Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 North Orange Ave., Orlando. A celebration of his life will take place the following day beginning at 10 AM, with services to follow at 11 AM at the church. Tax-deductible donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Community Foundation of Central Florida to benefit children, 1411 Edgewater Dr., Suite 203, Orlando, FL 32804.
Express Condolences at orlandosentinel.com/obituaries

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Mar. 19, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Foster

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Sandrea,
I was very sad to hear about Jim's passing away and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike Masur

April 25, 2013

I loved working on cases with Jim. He was always so enthusiastic and energized about anything he did! And he was always so positive. I will miss him.

Cathy McEwen

April 19, 2013

Our sincerest sympathy to the Foster family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rosetta and Marco Cudazzo

March 28, 2013

Sandrea, I was so sad to hear of Jim's passing a way. I will be in touch with you when things have settled down. Just know that I am thinking about you. Love, Judi Sanborn

March 20, 2013

Jim was such a joy to be around! His smile and the twinkle in his eye and the way he so lovingly gazed at Sandrea and Morgan warmed one's heart!

March 19, 2013

Dear Sandrea and Morgan,
We only met you and Jim a few times, but always felt you were special people, and immediatly we considered you as friends. I rememeber when we had a nice cup a coffee once in Monaco and strolled along the main street shops. Happy Memories. Jim will remain in my my thoughts as a very kind and pleasant person.
Sinceres Condoléances de la famille ARNALDI.

Alexandra ARNALDI

March 19, 2013

Jim was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts are with Sandrea and Morgan.

Grant Gribble

March 19, 2013

Jim was always a shining light. His love for his family and others was readily apparent. I met Jim at Akerman and, although he was a very busy and successful attorney, he took the time and effort to know me personally and show me kindness every time.

We miss you already, Jim Foster. This world is not as great without you.

Beth Waddell

March 19, 2013

On behalf of the Law Alumni Association at the University of Miami School of Law, please accept our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with the family during these difficult days.
Georgie A. Angones, Assistant Dean, Alumni and Development, Miami Law

March 19, 2013

I will always remember Jim for his passion, dedication, and drive. When I was at a low point in life he offered to help and for that I will always be grateful. Until we meet again!

The Foster Family is in my prayers.

Melissa Holdcraft

March 19, 2013

You'd be hard pressed to find a more committed husband, devoted father, or harder worker. Jim was the first person to commit to staying with me when I moved firms-- and I am eternally grateful for that profound demonstration of trust and loyalty. Deepest sympathies to Sandrea and Morgan, and Beth and Lesa

Peter Kaufman

March 19, 2013

During this time, the family requests any condolences please be expressed directly to the family and not posted on this site. Thank you.
The Foster Family

March 19, 2013

Sandrea and Morgan,
It seems like just the other day the kids were catching fish on the lakefront with you all. We are so sorry for your loss and will be at the service for Jim.

"I called on Your name, O Lord,
From the lowest pit.
You have heard my voice:
“Do not hide Your ear
From my sighing, from my cry for help.”
You drew near on the day I called on You,
And said, “Do not fear!”
O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;
You have redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:55-58

Suz & Bill Barnes

March 19, 2013

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