Jimmie C. Foster, age 91, passed away quietly at Veterans Medical
Hospital in Washington DC, after a long illness on November 9,
2019.
Jimmie Constantine Foster was born in Bell Grade, FL on July 10,
1928. He was the son of the late Elfreda Morgan. In early
childhood, he attended school in Jamaica. While in New York,
Jimmie worked for his mother as a tailor. Playing billiards above a
storefront across the street from where he lived was a favorite
pastime.
Jimmie entered active duty in the United States Air Force on
October 12, 1950 and served in the Korean War. He earned the
Korean Service Medal and the Airmen's Medal during his 24-year
tenure. He was honorably discharged from active duty on August
31, 1974.
Jimmie married Shizue Saito at the American Embassy in Tokyo,
Japan on January 20, 1965. He was 36 years old when the Foster
Family legacy began with the birth of their son, John, and their
daughter, Marcella. The family continued to grow with the birth of
their son, Jimmie, Jr. in 1968 as the family was relocated back to
the United States. Another assignment in 1969 relocated the family
back to Japan as they welcomed the third son, Robert. Jimmie
proudly purchased his family home in Maryland on November 7,
1972, which he paid off in full on October 29, 2002. Always the
protector, Jimmie pursued a second career as an Armed Security
Specialist at the Smithsonian Institute after active duty.
Jimmie's success in life can be directly attributed to his work ethic
and methodical discipline. Jimmie's wife affectionately referred to
him as "Neh", his children called him "Papa", and so did everyone
else. His ability to save money and budget was legendary. Papa
saved loose change and he was able to purchase items he wanted
without breaking his budget. He was an avid traveler and his last
trip with his wife was to China.
When Jimmie wasn't serving or protecting, he loved to cheer for
his favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints. He liked sports,
especially boxing. He admired Muhammad Ali as a boxer and an
activist; he had an extensive memorabilia collection. Jimmie was
also an avid collector of hats from all over and little statuettes
collected from his travels. He enjoyed going to the movies. He
loved to talk politics. One of his secret strategies was to watch the
opponent's news to be sure that he knew what the other side was
talking about. Jimmie was very particular about his lawn, one of
his sayings was "The grass needs to be cut!!"
In the Air Force, Jimmie played trombone in the service. He had a
passion for music; his extensive Jazz collection, found all over the
world was kept pristinely in his office. His favorites were Count
Basie, Duke Ellington and his solo artists was JJ Johnson, who also
played trombone. When he thought no one was listening, he used
to sing along with different artists, mostly the baritones (he
sounded good too). His love for music extended in the wish to learn
to play the piano. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the
Air Force never left him, as friends and family will attest.
Jimmie Foster was preceded in death by his wife, Shizue Foster;
mother, Elfreda Morgan; and daughter-in-law, Alexis DeLauterFoster. He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons; John Foster
(Emily), Jimmie Foster, Jr (Melinda), Robert Foster (Gwen); one
daughter: Marcella Twyman (Kenneth); twenty-one grandchildren:
Leah, Roen, Ebony (Cam), Jurrdan, Jimmie III, Tao, Keane
(Karlson), Jonathan, Christian, Devin, Jenna, Jun, Sydney, Alecia,
Jaden, Kylie, Chase, Kydorian, and Makai; three great
granddaughters: Marli, Kehlani, and Anri, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.