James A Foster, Sr.,

James Alexander Foster, Sr., 80, of Beaver, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016, in Elmcroft of Chippewa after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born April 5, 1936, in Passaic, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Newton Smith and Olive Stone Olmstead Foster.

Jim retired after spending 38 years with Travelers Insurance Company in Erie and Pittsburgh. He then had a second career with The Giles Company of Rochester. A former member of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a graduate of Rutherford, New Jersey High School, Class of 1954 as well as Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, Class of 1961. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Jim spent 28 years serving as a member of Beaver Council and was elected as President for 12 years. Jim was an active member of the Shade Tree Commission and helped to guide the 3rd Street Scape Project. He served as Scout Master of Troop 409, was a Wood Badge Leader, and headed up the Canoe Trails Program for 17 years. Jim’s leadership was recognized with numerous scouting honors including the Silver Beaver Award. He was a Mason, St. James Chapter, a former Shriner, member of the Beaver Area Memorial Library Board of Directors, charter member of the Beaver Heritage Foundation, as well as a member of the Merrick Art Gallery Associates.

Jim married Sarah Jane (Sally) McCleery Foster on August 15, 1959, who survives him. In addition to Sally, Jim is survived by two sons, James Alexander (Jeb) Foster, Jr., Stockbridge, GA, and John Cassel (Jason) Foster and his wife, Buffy Foster, Beaver; one brother, Newton Smith (Bud) Foster, Jr., Estling Lake, NJ, and two grandchildren, Tess Elizabeth and John Cassel Jr. (Jack), Beaver.

The family would like to thank the helpful and caring staff of Elmcroft, particularly Debbie. A special thanks, also, to Gateway Hospice for their expert and loving attention to Jim’s needs, especially Becky.

Per our request, there will be no viewing or service. Arrangements are being handled by NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Canoe Trails Program c/o Andy Kullen, 300 Division Lane, Vanport, PA 15009.