James Estes Foshee, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Huntsville, AL, surrounded by loving family. Born August 17, 1935, in Mountain Creek, AL, he was the sixth child of Roy L. and Lula C. Foshee. He spent his childhood in Montgomery, AL. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School and continued his education at Auburn University, where in 1957 he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He furthered his education at Florida Polytechnical Institute and in March of 1985 was awarded a Masters in Engineering Management. It was in Montgomery that he met and married the love of his life, Hazel Bone and together they celebrated 68 happy years of marriage on June 2nd.
Upon graduation from Auburn, James began his career as a licensed Professional Engineer in Fort Worth, Texas where he worked for General Dynamics. In 1961 he returned to Birmingham, AL where he worked for Hayes International until 1963 when he moved to Huntsville where he worked for Teledyne Brown Engineering before joining the Missile and Space Intelligence Center. It was during these years that many lifelong friendships were forged. He spent 26 years with Missile and Space Intelligence Center before retiring as Sr. Intelligence Officer in 2002.
He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church. After retirement, time was spent serving on the Alabama Historic Commission Board, attending continuing education classes, travel and spending time with family especially enjoying time spent in Florida and time with his children and grandchildren whom he loved so well. He led by example and was a wonderful friend and mentor to many. He continued to love and support Auburn.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Roy L. and Lula C. Foshee; brothers, Maurice L. Foshee and Charles Edgar Foshee; and sisters, Catherine Culver, Mary Lunceford and Juanita Landford. He is survived by wife, Hazel B. Foshee; son, James Stephen Foshee; two daughters, Renee (Ashley) Hill and Jennifer (Kevin) Wire; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Kendall) Hill, IV, Taylor (Ben) Foshee Oudot, Lauren (Philip) Skipp, Ben Foshee, Allison (Dan) Conway, Dr. Natalie Wire and Robert Wire; and five great-grandchildren, James Finn Hill, Leighton Hill, Tilden (Tillie) Skipp, Warren Conway and Hynson Skipp. The family would like to acknowledge the love, attention, care, many laughs and friendship he received from very special caregivers, Teresa Harris and Yolanda Singleton over the past two years. And, to the caregivers at Brookdale at Home that were a consistent source of attentive care and kind encouragement as needed.
The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL on June 24 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes Attn: Ministry Development 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane, Birmingham, AL 35216 or the charity of your choice.
