Jeffrey Foster

Jeffrey David Foster (Jake) passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, just one day shy of his 78th birthday. Although his death was unexpected, he had been in poor health for several months. Jake was born in Doylestown, PA, one of two sons born to Kenneth and Emily Foster. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Kenny of Bath, NC.

Jake's parents purchased a farm in Stockton, NJ, with plans to develop it into an operating business. The stone farmhouse had been without maintenance for several years and lacked electricity and running water. They began necessary renovations to meet contemporary standards, eventually acquiring poultry to start an income-generating enterprise. The chicken coops accommodated up to 10,000 chickens at a time, which met the needs of their family of four. When Kenny and Jake reached an appropriate age, they were assigned chores such as collecting eggs and cleaning the chicken coops. Through these activities and others, Jake developed skills that would be relevant in later stages of life, especially when it came to building a house from the ground up or renovating four of the five houses he owned with his wife, Robyn.

Jake had a lifelong passion for cars, especially Porsches, building his first car from salvaged parts. His interest in performance led him to compete in IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) racing at venues like VIRginia International Raceway, NH Motor Speedway, and Daytona, often driving Porsches painted in his signature "Jake Green." He participated in road races, hill climbs and street racing, crewed a Mazda Prototype that placed eighth at Daytona, and joined a team taking a Mazda RX7 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans-though after their car was wrecked, Jake and other team members explored Germany and its many beer gardens instead.

Later, his love for speed quickly translated into motorboat racing. He competed under the APBA (American Power Boat Association) banner, racing ASH (A Stock Hydro) and later BSR (B Stock Runabout) watercraft. His distinct artistic design and eye for color, magenta and chartreuse being amongst his favorites, made his boats the buzz of the pits. He painted most of the Bezoats and Broccoli brand boats which were well known in the APBA community.

In the early 1970s, Jake opened Jake's Imported Auto Karosserie/Foster's Coachworks, Inc. on the Cane Farm in Rosemont, NJ, where he refined his restoration skills on classic cars like Rolls Royce, Model A Ford, Delahaye, Ferrari, and Bentley, among others. Jobs came to him, unfolding almost entirely from the virtue of his name and reputation. Jake spent over 30 years bringing forgotten vehicles back to life, earning respect throughout his career and retirement.

Jake touched countless lives with his top-notch skills, considered advice, and generosity. The phrase, "What would Jake do?" became a warm and lasting tribute to the man who never hesitated to put aside his own plans to lend a hand. His humor and his laugh were both so contagious, his funny little phrases often confounding the listener but at the same time were out and out hilarious. Phrases such as "Like Joe Blow ridin' into town on a head o' lettuce" and "If I'm the boss, why am I sweating?" brought so much heartfelt belly laughter. Jake could entertain the listener for hours with his vivid recounting of everyday experiences that always surpassed the expected. He loved Blues music, his favorite band was Pink Floyd, and he idolized Jeff Beck. He loved The Far Side satirical comics, American history, auto racing, peanut butter and relish sandwiches, four-legged critters (dogs and cats naturally gravitated to him) and a good joke. Mel Brooks movies and John Sandford and Janet Evanovich authors were all-time favorites. Sunsets on the Cane Farm were especially treasured as Jake's many photographs attest.

Jake is survived by his beloved wife Robyn, with whom he spent 29 wonderful years and their family, made up of a beautiful blend of five children -- Kelly Elder (Bill), Amy Bohne (Jon Chick), Joe Milora (Suzanne), Elisa Giordano (Michael), and Kara Dulin (Scott) - and eight grandchildren ranging in age from twenty-seven to thirteen - Zachary Elder, Samantha Elder, Ian Elder, Blake Barrigh, Isabella Barrigh, Isabella Billik, Anthony Milora, and Ella Dulin.

His gentle strength and steady demeanor were a constant source of comfort to those around him. Friends and family will remember the warmth of his laughter and his unwavering presence in times of need. His charming sense of humor, generous spirit and love for his family and friends will be greatly missed.

A private family gathering was recently held to honor his life.