James Henry Foster

May 8, 1939 – July 20, 2026

James Henry "Jim" Foster, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 20, 2026, passing peacefully at his home.

Jim was born on May 8, 1939, in Columbus, Texas, to Samuel Loyd and Sarah Norene Foster. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1957, where he was active in choir, band, track, and football. Throughout his life, he treasured the friendships he made there and faithfully attended class reunions, maintaining close relationships with many of his classmates.

After high school, Jim attended Howard Payne University, where he studied music, before continuing his education at the University of Houston in electronics. He began his career with Hughes Tools and later enjoyed a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry, where he worked from 1965 until his retirement.

On June 2, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Gipson. Together they built a Christ-centered home and shared 56 years of marriage before Margaret's passing in 2017. In 1963, Jim answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He was stationed in Ansbach, Germany, where he faithfully served for two years. Following his military service, Jim and Margaret returned to Houston in 1965 before settling permanently in Katy in 1974.

Jim's greatest passion in life was his faith in Jesus Christ. He served as the music leader in various churches in the Houston area. In Katy, he became deeply involved at First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon, sang in the church choir, and devoted himself to countless ministries. Perhaps no role brought him greater joy than teaching Sunday School. He loved his class and often said they were like family. After retirement, Jim continued serving wherever he was needed, leaving a lasting impact on generations of church members through his faithful example, servant's heart, and unwavering commitment to Christ.

He loved music and began singing in church as a youth. He enjoyed participating in many choir presentations, performing at local assisted living facilities and various church functions, and providing wholesome entertainment at events. His drive to deliver a quality presentation was demonstrated by the countless hours he spent selecting songs and practicing at home.

Jim was equally devoted to his country. As a proud Army veteran, he remained active with the Vietnam Veterans of America organization in Columbus, Texas, participating in meetings, parades, and community fundraising events. He was deeply patriotic and considered it a privilege to serve alongside fellow veterans in supporting their community.

Above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord. His quiet strength, steadfast faith, love for his family, and lifelong dedication to First Baptist Church Katy and its ministries shaped the lives of all who knew him. His legacy of faith and service will continue for generations.

Jim is survived by his children, Tim Foster and his wife, Becki; Mark Foster and his wife, Missy; Ann Knaup and her husband, Brian; and BJ Barlow and his wife, Heidi. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Foster and his wife, Alisha; Trey Foster and his wife, Alyssa; Tanner Foster and his wife, Monique; Troy Foster; Tasha Foster-Castillo and her husband, Ozzy; Sarah Wolff and her husband, Brandon; Samantha Foster; Hannah Hershey and her husband, Marcus; Jackson Knaup and his wife, Reece; and Jenna Hogberg and her husband, Connor; his sister, Kay Luton and her husband, Leonard.

He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Harper Foster, Braxton Foster, Beau Foster, Riley Foster, Cole Hogberg, Aurora Wolff, and Laura Foster.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Foster; his parents, Loyd and Norene Foster; and his brother, Callan Dale Foster.

The family finds comfort in the promise of Scripture:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1127, P.O. Box 605, Columbus, TX 78934 (email: recontom67@yahoo.com), or to First Baptist Church Katy in honor of Jim's lifelong dedication to his faith, his church, and his fellow veterans.