James Foran Obituary
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Joan Marso
January 11, 2011
Joan,
I was so fortunate to meet Jim through you. He was indeed one of the most thoughtful, kind, considerate men and fun loving. I will always remember the many cook-outs, movies and nights out with you two. I learned so much the past few years from Jim and will never forget his patience and grace during his illness. He was so wonderful. Jim is now at peace and smiling at us from above.
July 19, 2010
I am absolutely stunned to read of Jim's passing. I had no idea. Jim was without question one of the most wonderful, kind, thoughtful, sweet men I have ever met in my life! I met Jim when we worked at Hodne-Stageberg architects and we became really great friends. Jim was such a wonderful man that once, probably back in 1980 when my husband and I went on a week trip, we had Jim watch our two kids! We would not trust anybody EXCEPT Jim and our children absolutely adored Jim. Jim spent hours drawing and creating the most wonderful little book for my son when he was a child that he absolutely cherished. The detail and caring he put into that little book blew my entire family away! It was SO delightful! My children are now in their thirties and I am in my sixties but none of us could ever even mention Jim without smiling and remembering how wonderful he always was! Jim had more integrity than just about anybody I have ever met! My son had run into Jim in a restaurant not too long ago and was so excited to tell me about it! He had never seen my son as a man! I'm so very sad to learn that the world has lost one of the greatest guys that ever was! Jim also designed the two tier deck that still stands on the house I used to live in and every time either I or my kids drive by, we all remember Jim. Jim will always be someone that I will never forget. I wish I could have attended the service for Jim. The best thing was that when I used to run into Jim downtown or have lunch he would tell me how happy he was and show me photos of his wonderful wife Jane and tell me how they traveled all the time and about their fantastic adventures. I was so happy for Jim that he had met someone who got to share his heart.
Jean (Severson) Coulton
Mark Wasescha
July 7, 2010
Jim was incredibly talented and the most modest person in the world about it. How
ironic it is that Jim and his mentor and model, James Stageberg, have passed away within two weeks of each other.
They were a big part of the heart and soul of a great firm, the Hodne Stageberg Partners.
Lauren Tempesta
July 5, 2010
Aunt Joan,
I don't even know where to begin with how much fun I had with you and Uncle Jim. Our trips to Cape Cod, celebrating you and my Moms birthday every year, Christmas and more! Jim always kept me company and busy when we were in Redwood when there wasn't that much to do. I wish I could have attended the ceremony. And I cannot wait to get back to Minnesota to see you all. Jim will really be missed, but will never be forgotten. Love Always.
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Tony Tempesta
July 3, 2010
Joan,
Hard to put into words how special Jim was in is own way. We always joked how he reacted slow to some things,not like you and I.He had a patience that you had to admire. My memories will be of couse of the many vactions we spent together over the yrs. Those we will always keep close to us and so so special that will never be erased.I know Jim had a fondness for the Cape and he would love to take napes with his babseball cap over his face on the beach.When it came to eating no one came close to Jim. I loved watching him eat knowing Jim would finish yours if you could not.
On our travels he was like a boy eager to learn and experience the places we visited.
So many thing could be said but those who knew him have memories also of the special person he was. He left us too soon.
He is now at piece and not suffering, he fought courageously and with dignity.
I will always keep his memory close to me.
joan willshire
July 1, 2010
Thanks for all of your support and prayers during this sad time. He is at peace now.
Joan Marso
July 1, 2010
Jim was such a wonderful, kind, caring and generous person. Someone that we all should inspire to be. We will all miss him and he will be in our hearts.
Sandy (Farnberg) Reichel
June 30, 2010
Joan, so sad to hear about your husband. I met him at one of our high school class reunions and was so impressed with him. He seemed so genuine and comfortable in that awkward setting. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God's peace....
Mike Jensen
June 30, 2010
I will miss Jim at family gatherings, talking about the twins and vikings. We are here for you Joan!
Staci Reay & Jean Hammer
June 30, 2010
Joan and Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Jim. As two of Kay’s friends, we have been hopeful and concerned for you and Jim throughout his illness. Sending good thoughts your way and wishing you peace.
Jo Erbes
June 30, 2010
May this light, in memory of Jim, shine upon you and bring you peace.
Mark Smeltzly
June 30, 2010
Joan, I only had the pleasure of knowing Jim for a short time, via Penny. In spite of his battle with cancer, he always offered warmth, kindness, and truly happy friendship. I will miss him. Sadly I'm on a business trip and will miss his memorial service, but I would love to see some of his drawings sometime.
Loren Ahles
June 30, 2010
From an old school friend,
I will always remember his smile, ,,,it was always on his face no matter what he encountered. And he brought that joy and his talents to all he did.
Lindsey Foran
June 30, 2010
Aunt Joan,
I am sorry I cannot be there for the service as I am 8200 miles away, but my thoughts are with you as always. Send my Uncle Jim my love at the service, I wish I could be there. I will love and miss him always,
Lindsey
Joanie Balach
June 29, 2010
Jim had the good sense and taste to marry my dear friend- and became my friend as well. In his shy way, he gave compliments that came straight from the heart, and which often made my day. Heaven will shine brighter with Jim's presence. He will be missed greatly by those of us honored to call him our friend.
deb holtz
June 29, 2010
Joan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was so sad to hear the news tonite. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Words are inadequate. I am sending you a hug of love and peace. love, deb
Destin Nygard
June 29, 2010
I was fortunate to get the chance to know Jim while working at Stageberg Beyer Sachs for several years, over a decade ago. He obviously had a great talent, but what I will remember most about Jim was the true warmth and generosity he brought to all of his interactions. I was right out of school and decidedly wet behind the ears, and Jim (and Tom, and the rest) somehow managed to make me feel like I was a contributing part of the team, at the very same time they were tirelessly answering all of the questions I hurled at them. We kept in touch after I went back to graduate school, and I was one of the many who was lucky to call him a friend.
Although I never learned to draw or design like Jim could, I can only hope that I picked up some of his other traits. It sounds cliche, but is true in Jim's case: those whose lives he touched are truly the better for it.
June 29, 2010
Dear Joan, I am so sorry I cannot be with you on Wednesday, but you and Jim's Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Lasoff
Sandy Nieman
June 29, 2010
Bonnie & Brian,
I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your brother, Jim. I haven't seen any of you for such a long time, but remember the "old" days of our childhood, and all the fun times we had. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your families.
Sandy (Erickson) Nieman
Toni Munnich
June 29, 2010
Oh Joan, I am so sorry to hear about Jim's death. I know how hard it has been for you and Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Courage Center
June 29, 2010
On behalf of Jan Malcolm, CEO Courage Center and Courage Center Clients, Boards & Staff, please accept our condolences on the loss of Jim. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Nicolle VanWie
June 29, 2010
I worked with Jimmy at Stageberg Beyer and Sachs and he made it so much fun, and wow could he draw. He was so talented and funny, and thoughtful and kind. He will be remembered most fondly and missed greatly by anyone who ever knew him
Barbara Menefee
June 29, 2010
As one of Jane Willshire's HR colleagues at Philips, I want to most sincerely express my condolences to the Foran family and their extended community of relatives and friends.
Rick Christensen
June 29, 2010
I first met Jim in 1972 in Grade I Design Studio at the U of M School of Architecture. He could draw better than anyone in the school at that time and there were alot of talented people there. We were room mates from 1974 to 1979. He helped me get a job at Hodne Stageberg in 1975 which became my first place of work after school. For over 15 years Jim, Mark Peterson and I had dinner together every Friday night, usually something on my grill. Later he and Dennis Mulvey teamed up against Mark and I in yearly golf "ham and eggs" matches. I'll never forget when Jim pulled out a win, sinking a putt on the 18th hole in the dark! We had alot of fun, great meals and good cocktails together. He was a good and kind friend and I will miss him alot
Jennifer Finstrom
June 29, 2010
OH my goodness Joan, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I appreciate your phone call and have shared it with our communications dept here at Courage Center. Courage Center was so very fortunate to have had Jim's expertise and skill set in helping design our state of the art pool. Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding during this time of grieving. Jennifer Finstrom
Meredith Wu
June 28, 2010
I worked with Jimmy for three years at Stageberg Beyer and Sachs Architects. It was my first job out of architecture school and here I was, sitting across from this guy who could draw and detail like nothing I had ever seen before. His drawing ability was something I aspired to. Jimmy was a funny, friendly and interesting person. He will be missed by all who knew him
Penny Edgell
June 28, 2010
What a sweet, kind man! I will miss him so.
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