Memorial services for James “Jim” Foster of Springfield, Virginia are Sunday, March 13, 2016, at 2 p.m. Messiah Methodist Church in Springfield and Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Mathiston with burial at Spring Valley Cemetery.  

Mr. Foster died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at his residence. He was born Oct. 12, 1933, in Yazoo City

Jim spent his childhood in Maben.  After graduating from Maben High School, Jim graduated from Mississippi State University in 1955, earned a CPA license, and later a Masters degree from American University.  He served three years with th Army Audit Agency in Europe and spent the next 30 years in service to the U.S. Government.  After retirement, Jim worked for various CPA firms as an independent contractor, but Jim’s greatest reward came from teaching.  Jim taught accounting classes for the University of Virginia (Falls Church campus) for 25 years and spent 20 of those years also teaching for Engram CPA Review.

He also spent a few years teaching for George Mason University.  Jim’s passion for teaching and helping others touched many students.  Jim was known for offering each student a dollar bill on the night of final exams along with a simple plea to return the loan after they had achieved an important career goal.  Over the years, many dollar bills were returned with amazing stories of perseverance and appreciation for his encouragement.

Jim had a family who adored him, many wonderful friends and was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.  There is no way to put into words how much Jim was loved by his family and closest friends.  He was a man of true character.  He leaves behind a life of hard work, honesty, devotion to family, integrity and honor.  He instilled these values in those who loved him most, and that is his greatest legacy.

Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Vivian Pogue Foster; son, Stan Foster and wife, Sarah, of Brookhaven; daughter, Anita Foster Russell and husband, Ramsey, of Brandon; and grandchildren, Wil and Meg of Brookhaven and Forrest, Duncan and Parker of Brandon.

The family thanks all of the many caregivers who have compassionately cared for Jim throughout his recent illness.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of choice.