James Henry Foster, Jr. passed to be with his Lord on September 13, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama. He was predeceased by his father, James Henry Foster; mother, Pauline Swinford Foster and brother, Jerry Don Foster.
Survivors include the love of his life for 66 years, his wife, Glenda Davis Foster who as a military spouse and was called upon to be a single parent during the three years James was deployed alone; daughter, Donna Lynne Foster Dailey (Dennis); son, James Henry “Hank” Foster III (Kristi Fields); grandson, Keegan Foster Teel; granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth Foster Inger (Cody); and great-grandsons, Bryson, Cason, Jenson and Grayson Inger.
James served 20 years in the US Army with postings in Germany, Korea and two Vietnam combat command assignments. His service included Air Defense Artillery Commander, Heavy Missile and Cannon Field Artillery Officer and Research and Development Coordinator for a number of systems. He was recognized with several awards and decorations including Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Army Commendation Medal with (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal with (OLC) and Vietnam Service Medal with Seven Service Stars. He retired from military service in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
James joined Martin Marietta Corporation in 1983 as Manager of Advanced Concepts and subsequently was assigned as a Corporate District Office Director in Huntsville, Alabama for Martin Marietta’s Southern Region Customer base. James participated in organizational growth resulting from Aerospace Company mergers and was promoted to Lockheed Martin Corporation Vice President for Domestic Operations. In this role, he was responsible for managing and administering 23 Domestic Field Offices with associated customer relations and protocols.
James was a native of Lauderdale County Alabama, graduated from Coffee High School in Florence and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Alabama in Math and Physics and was commissioned in the Regular US Army. He also received a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He graduated from key military courses including Guided Missile Systems Engineering, Command and General Staff College and Airborne Qualification.
He was a member of Twickenham Church of Christ, Huntsville, Eagle Scout Association, Field Artillery Association, Association of US Army, Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, Military Organization of World Wars, and Past President of Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Twickenham Church of Christ, with the service following at 11, with Jody Vickery officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence, Alabama.
