James Hugh Foster Jr.

Foster, James Hugh, Jr. James "Jim" Hugh Foster Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30, 2010 in Ennis, Texas. Jim was born on May 21, 1922, in Palmer, Texas, to James Hugh and Mary Ida Foster. He graduated from Ferris High School in 1940. Following High School, Jim attended the North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC) from 1940 to 1942. In 1942 he entered Texas A&M University. He entered the United States Army in 1943 as a platoon leader. That same year, he married his sweetheart from NTAC, Mary Lee Kolp of Dallas, Texas. In March of 1943, he began active duty as Private and attended Officers Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating with rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was then assigned to the 5th Armored Division, 46th Armored Infantry Battalion where he served valiantly in World War II, receiving a Silver Star Medal, a Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and many other commendations. He received a battlefield promotion to 1st Lieutenant and then Captain upon returning to Texas from the War. He later graduated in accounting from Texas A&M in 1946 as a class member of 1944. After graduating Texas A&M, Jim joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Dallas, Texas as a staff accountant. He joined the Kenyon Auto Stores Co. as a credit supervisor in 1947. In 1954, his first son Steve Briscoe Foster was born. That same year, he joined the Chilton organization Merchants Retail Credit Association and later moved to Waxahachie, Texas in 1957. In 1958, he moved to Texas City, Texas with the Credit Bureau of Texas City. In 1959 while in Texas City, his second son David Hugh Foster was born. He returned to Dallas as president and one of the original incorporators of ARM, Inc, a data processing services company for physicians. After selling ARM, Inc. in 1964 to the First National Bank of Dallas, Jim became the founder and president of Medical Computer Systems Incorporated (MCSI). Jim was a pioneer in the development of computerized patient billing systems to clinics and hospitals throughout the United States. He retired from MCSI in 1980. An avid boater, he enjoyed his love of sailing and traveling with his wife Mary and two sons. Jim was a charter member of the Dallas Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons. He served as Commander of Dallas Power Squadron in 1978 and was Commander of District 21 (which includes Texas and Louisiana) in 1981. The United States Power Squadron is a national boating organization dedicated to the education and safety of boating. Jim was also a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association and loved raising horses on the family ranch, recognized by the State of Texas for a century or more of continuous ownership and operation. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palmer, Texas. Jim was a loving devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Mary Foster of Ennis, his son Steven Foster and wife Elizabeth of Dallas, son David Foster and wife Beth of Trumbull, and granddaughter Shelby Foster, the joy of his life, a sophomore at Southern Methodist University. Also survived by sister-in-law Ruth Strong of Fort Worth, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Elizabeth Brisendine, and brother Harold Foster. A private family inurnment will be held on Friday, May 7, 2010 a.m. at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Rev. Ann Hitt officiating. Friends and family are welcome to a celebration of Jim's life at the Foster Ranch in Trumbull, Texas on Friday, May 7, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Palmer, P.O. Box 216, Palmer, Texas 75152, or a charity of your choosing. Green Funeral Home Ferris, TX 972-842-5777