FOSTER JAMES W

MAJ James W. Foster was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/09/2024 at the age of 86.8
Mary Esther, FL
Flight Class 60-G
Date of Birth 03/02/1938
Served in the U.S. Air Force
Served in Vietnam with 20 SOS in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam GREEN HORNET
This information was provided by Obit

More detail on this person: James Welton Foster, age 86, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away on December 9, 2024. Jim was born on March 2, 1938, to Charles and Hazel Foster in Russell, Kansas. After Jim graduated in 1956 from High School in Flora, IL, he developed a great passion for flying and was selected for the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program. In 1958 he graduated from Basic Training at Lackland AFB and first served as a military policeman in Iceland while waiting for assignment to his Flight Training class. Jim was assigned to Aviation Cadet Training in 1959 where he flew several types of fixed-wing aircraft in basic and primary flight training and graduated in class 60-G at Reese AFB. In 1960, he reported to the Air Force Helicopter School at Stead AFB for advanced flight training and upon completion served in missile support at various Strategic Air Command bases. He left the Air Force in 1966 to become a test pilot at Bell Helicopter in Hurst, TX. Jim rejoined the Air Force in 1967 to become a helicopter instructor at the Air Force Helicopter School at Sheppard AFB. In 1969 he was assigned to fly helicopters in Vietnam with the 20th Special Operations Squadron (Green Hornets). Upon his return he served in support of atomic tests at the Nevada Test Range and at the USAF Instrument Pilot Instructors School at Randolph AFB. In 1974, he was assigned to the Air Force Communications Service until his retirement in 1979 at Scott AFB. He began a new career as a flight instructor for FlightSafety International for 18 years until his retirement. In 1961, Jim met Nora Kathryn Hunt in Clay City, IL and together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Jim spent his retirement years in Mary Esther, Florida and Denver, Colorado. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family, traveling, reading, and caring for his pets. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Foster and his mother, Hazel (Barbee) Foster. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Foster; daughter, Terri (Chris) Hodge, sons, Brett Foster, and Brian (Patricia) Foster; 4 Grandchildren, Steven Foster, Lauren Foster, Kathryn Hodge, and Hunter Hodge. He leaves behind his sister, Marla Hart. Burial will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Save our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS), saveourcatsandkittens.com.

Burial information: Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL

This information was last updated 12/30/2024

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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025


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