Dr. James H. Foster

Dr. James H. Foster, 72, of Avon died peacefully at home on Tuesday, (June 17, 2003) after a year's bout with cancer. Born in Hamden, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Lewis C. Foster, he graduated from Haverford College and Columbia Medical School. After two years service in the U.S. Air Force, he completed his training in surgery in Portland, Oregon. He moved to Hartford, in 1966 to become the first full-time Director of Surgery at Hartford Hospital. In 1968 he joined the first faculty of the new medical school in Farmington and in 1978 left Hartford Hospital to become Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Connecticut. He served as chairman and then as director of Surgery Education until his retirement in 1993, after which he served on the volunteer faculty until his death. He was a member of several surgical and medical organizations and served as president of the Connecticut Society of American Board of Surgeons and the New England Surgical Society. He was a director for nine years and an examiner for nineteen years for the American Board of Surgery and also served on the Cancer Commission of the American College of Surgeons. His major contributions were in the area of liver tumors about which he was an invited lecturer on five continents. He authored or co-authored more than 100 scientific articles and chapters. In more youthful days he was an avid mountain climber, world traveler, amateur painter and played in national championships in both tennis and squash racquets. More recently he edited a book on quotations by William Shakespeare of medical interest. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara and three children: John Chandler Foster and wife Lenna of East Granby, Ann Lynn Foster, currently working for Save the Children in South and Central America, and Margaret Ruth Foster, currently also working overseas on conservation projects. Also by two grandchildren and five stepsons and their families. A memorial service will take place in the Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ Congregational, 75 Main St., Farmington on Sat. (June 28th) at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Ned W. Edwards officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Farmington River Watershed Association, Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070 or to Save The Children, P.O. Box 950, Westport, CT 06881. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Home, Unionville.