September 30, 1946 – September 27, 2024

Psalms 37:4; “Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart”.

James Louis Foster was the first-born child of Bentley ”Dick” Foster and Virginia Elizabeth Wilson Foster, born on September 30, 1946. His parents added a sister, Joan Elizabeth Foster Rist (Terry), and two brothers, Bennett and Mark. His parents, sister, and brother-in-law predeceased him. James passed from this world on September 27, 2024, at Rapides Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family.

James’ lifelong passion was music. He began singing in church at the age of 5; he, his sister, Joan, and two cousins Ida and Kathy started the musical group “The Singettes” and traveled the southern United States, attending revivals, the Louisiana Hayride, the National Quartet Convention, and recording sessions. Later, he recorded gospel albums of songs he shared in revivals, funerals, weddings, and in his evangelical work. These included “Singing For Him” and “Well Glory” with James Foster & Friends.

James continued his ministry in a different way, beginning on January 23, 1964, when he accepted the call to preach at the age of 17. His first sermon was in 1966 at a Free Methodist Church; his last sermon was shared on September 8, 2024, at Church of the Cross. James served the Lord throughout the world as a Christian educator, vocalist, music leader, minister, mentor to pastors, evangelist, associational liaison, and whatever he was asked to do. His family does not remember him saying no to any spiritual calling, no matter what church or denomination.

James was an avid sportsman from the time he was a child, participating in all sports including baseball, basketball, and football. Although he was talented and received a full athletic scholarship for college, music, and ministry were his consistent passions. In fact, he met his high school sweetheart, Wanda Hudson in church, when he noticed her as she accompanied him on the piano. After dating for several years, they were married in 1967 and raised three children to whom they were devoted, Brad, Becky, and Benje.

James graduated from Buckeye High School in 1964 and enrolled in Louisiana College that fall with a full scholarship to play football. He graduated from LC in May of 1969, majoring in History and Physical Education. While attending Louisiana College, he met several lifelong friends and ministers who influenced his life ministry, encouraging him to begin work in the field of music ministry in a regular position with the church. It was his honor to later serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Louisiana College. He was awarded the Trustees Distinguished Service Award on October 15, 2015, in the presence of his family, most of which also attended Louisiana College.

Upon his college graduation, James immediately entered Mississippi College in graduate courses, obtaining a Masters degree in principalship and administration. His first classroom experience was at West Monroe Junior High; he then transferred to Buckeye High School in 1970. James continued his education, receiving his Masters+30 degree in education while teaching. He retired from the Rapides Parish School Board after more than 25 years of teaching and coaching. James was the first in his family to obtain a college education and was honored that his siblings and offspring continued their education after high school as well.

“Brother James”, as many referred to him, was multi-vocational. For a period of time, he secured his realtor’s license and worked with his wife appraising and selling homes. In addition to teaching and coaching, he continued his spiritual ministries and found time to attend barber school to follow in his father’s footsteps. Not only was his father a barber, but a captivating storyteller. James certainly honed both skills on Saturdays at their family barbershop. Many people in their community would arrive on Saturday to visit and share stories while getting a haircut. Others would travel far and wide to make those Saturday haircuts and his mother’s famous teacakes and cathead biscuits. His students continue to tell “Coach Foster” stories that he shared during their history class with him.

James’ children remember him completing school, getting in the car with one of them or a friend to drive to a revival, and sharing the time with him in a new location several times a month. His summers included revivals and camp meetings in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Texas, and South Carolina with one or more of the kids at his side, usually Brad who loved the great adventures with his dad.

 Brother James was faithful from early in life; he encouraged others along the way, whether they were on the path or had lost their way. He counted people from all walks of life as friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.

James enjoyed his late-night talks with Benje who shared his musical talent, and being spoiled and cared for by his only daughter, Becky. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and devoted himself to whatever interest they had. He was later heard to say, however, that if he had known how much fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first!

 He is survived by his wife, Wanda Hudson Foster of 56 years, sons, Bradley Foster (June), and James Benjamin “Benje” Foster, daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Foster Cooper (Jason), grandchildren, Trinity Joan Foster, Cade Ashton Foster and Jonathan Bentley Foster. James is also survived by his brothers, Bennett Foster (Beverly) and John Mark Foster (Pam). He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Melvin and Grace Deville (who prayed over him from the time he was born, until he took his last breath), uncle James Wilson, uncle and aunt Johnny and Rosemary Foster, aunt Betty Lou Nicholson, and many cherished cousins.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Brad Foster, Benje Foster, Jason Cooper, Cade Foster, Bennett Foster, Mark Foster, Danny Hudson, and Art Jeffery. Honorary pallbearers include Melvin Deville, James Wilson, Roy Willis, Dr. Ilyas Chaudhry, Tendol Hudson, Carol “Goat” Lanier, Rev. Joe Bailey, Bobby Shaw (his personal barber), Dewey Chelette, Steve Chevallier, Rev. Dustin Davis, Rev. Jimmy King, Rev. Sam Tinsley, Rev. Lloyd Whitman, Rev. Jimmy Spurlock, and Kolin Belgard.

Visitation for James will be held at Longview Baptist Church in Deville, Louisiana on Monday, September 30, 2024 (his birthday) at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. His services will be held at Longview Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024, with a visitation from 12:00 p.m.  to 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Longview Baptist Church cemetery.

James and his family were very humbled by the outpouring of love and prayers during his hospitalization. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Intensive Care Unit during his last days. They truly showed compassion and devoted care to James and his family. His family requests that you consider offerings to The Gideons International in lieu of flowers.

Of all of his jobs, preacher, evangelist, song leader, teacher, coach, barber, and realtor, his greatest was that of dad and poppy.

There will be reserved seating for ministers.

 WELL GLORY!!!