Dr. James W. Foley

Dr. James W. Foley, 86, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Naples, Florida.

Born on March 11, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Foley pursued a lifelong passion for education and mentorship. He began his academic journey at the University of Cincinnati, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He went on to earn a master's degree from Miami University of Ohio and later achieved his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Dr. Foley dedicated over four decades of his professional life to the University of Miami, where he served as both a professor and associate dean. His commitment to higher education left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues alike.

In 2014, after living in Miami for 58 years, he and his wife relocated to Naples. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, James and Ann built a life centered around family, learning, and community.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ann; their son James W. Foley (Meg Gross Foley); daughter Jane Foley Abdo (Christopher Abdo); four grandchildren-Anna Nic Abdo, Mary Grace Abdo, James William Foley, and Caitlyn Janson Foley; and two great-grandchildren-London and Noah. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Judith Mellott and many beloved cousins.

One of Dr. Foley's greatest joys was coaching youth baseball and softball in South Miami-a role he embraced with enthusiasm when the opportunity arose to coach his own children and other young athletes. A devoted fan of the Miami Hurricanes football team, he rarely missed a game during his years in Miami and continued to cheer them on faithfully from home after moving to Naples.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Burial will follow at Palm Royale Cemetery, 6790 Vanderbilt Beach Rd.