James Foster Jr.

1932 - 2018

James E. Foster Jr. died on July 3, 2018 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 85. He was a resident of the Shannondell retirement community since May 2003, after living in Jeffersonville for 43 years. He is survived by his wife Nancy Hadley Foster and was married June 16, 1956. Also surviving are his three sons, James (Vicki) of Audubon, Jeffrey (Shelby) of Millersville and Robin (Lori) of Norristown. Grandchildren are Julie Thompson (William), Erin Starnes (Trey), James (Elizabeth), Keri Perdrix (Mitch), Jeffrey (Celsy), Daisy, Chelsie Ober (Douglas), Derek Testerman and great grandchildren Alexis Ober, Brooklynne Smith, Emery Perdrix and Rhett Perdrix. Jim was born and raised in Norristown on September 17, 1932. He was the son of the late James E. Foster Sr. and Mildred Young Foster. He was a graduate of Norristown High School in 1950 and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1959. During the Korean War he served two years in the U.S. Army, mostly at Camp Pickett, VA. He worked 41 years at the Philadelphia Electric Co. now Peco Energy Co., a division of the Exelon Corporation. He held supervisory positions in the Customer Accounting and Systems Divisions. He was also selected as a Programmer for the initial computerization of the customer billing system. He retired in 1991 as Paymaster after 18 years in the Payroll Division. He was a lifetime member of Christ Church, United Church of Christ in Norristown and served on the Consistory as a Deacon and Elder for many years. He was also the Church Treasurer for 28 years. He was involved in the West Norriton Little League as an officer and coach for ten years and also served a term as an Auditor for the township. He loved sports and his passion was baseball. After retirement, he and Nancy traveled annually to Clearwater, Florida for Spring Training with the Phillies. He was a member of Norristown Lodge #620, F & AM and the Valley Forge High Twelve Club. At Shannondell, he and Nancy took part in the many activities provided to the residents. He especially enjoyed being a member of a billiards traveling team, competing against other retirement communities and senior centers in the area. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on Monday July 9 from 6 – 8 PM at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish, 200 W Germantown Pk in Norristown, and again on Tuesday July 10 from 9 – 9:50 at Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 1003 W. Marshall St. in Norristown. His funeral service will be held at 10 AM and Christ Church, UCC. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church at 1003 W. Marshall St. Norristown, PA 19401.