James “Jim” Emery Foster, age 74, passed away December 1, 2021.  He was born March 21, 1947, in Bessemer, Alabama to Olon “Bud”  and Bernice (Burnett) Foster.

Jim’s father Bud was a pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy who received assignment to different locations around the country, so Jim spent his childhood in several different states. They ultimately arrived here in Washington in the Darrington and Sedro Woolley area where he met Sally Fisher, whom he would marry in 1965. Jim was selected for military service in 1966 and became a member of the Army 1^st Infantry Division going to Vietnam; the Big Red One. He served in the Army from 1966-1970. He was wounded in action in 1967 in Vietnam.  After recovering from injuries he returned to service and spent his last two years in Korea. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart medal. After his military service he and Sally would go on to have two children, Shawn and Heather. After his marriage to Sally ended, Jim continued to reside in Sedro Woolley working in the carpentry/building trade in the valley for many years, making lifelong friends along the way. Jim met Ida Ensley and they were married in 1991. Throughout their 30 years together they made their homes in Montana, Alabama, North Carolina and eventually back to Sedro Woolley where they settled in for their golden years. Jim was a man of routine, and he developed many friendships with those he encountered during his daily outings for coffee and conversation. He was humble and introspective, quiet yet talkative at the same time. His stories were full of great detail so there was no hurrying when you had a visit with Jim! He cared deeply for his family and friends, as they did him, and he will be missed beyond measure.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ida Foster; daughter, Heather (Brad) Wilson; grandchildren, Brenna and Lauryn Wilson; sisters, Debbie (Bill) Reid, JoAnn (Dan) Allen, Beverly (Lee) Bear, Pat (Earle) Shroyer; brother, Michael Foster; as well as numerous extended family and wonderful friends who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Bud and Bernice, his son; Shawn Foster; sister; Sarah; brother; Royce.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30, Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Lyman Cemetery, Pastor John Batts presiding, with Military Honors.  A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall, Sedro-Woolley.  Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.