James F. Foster

May 30, 1933 - Jan 18, 2021

James Francis Foster, 87, passed away on January 18, 2021 in San Francisco, CA. Jim was born May 30, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA, graduated from Bishop Laughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, NY (1951), earned a bachelors degree from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY (1955), and a masters degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI (1963). He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960, stationed in Germany. He enjoyed a long career in the book publishing business, focused on advertising, public relations and promotion. At the end of his career, Jim’s labor of love was “Conversations on the Coast”, San Francisco’s premiere author interview program. Hundreds of his author interviews were broadcast on Bay Area radio stations and remain available via podcast (on Spreaker). Jim served as president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco, worked on their Arlington Hotel project, and was active at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral parish, where he led the Parish Council.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Emma (nee Scheick) Foster, and daughter Laura (Glenn) Foster. He is survived by his wife Julie A. Todd; brother Charles (Marion) Foster; children Philip (Kathy) Foster, Elizabeth Todd and Stephanie Todd; grandchildren Jason, Patrick, Brian, Joshua, Robert and Ricardo; former spouse Catherine Taylor Foster, Ph.D.; many nieces and nephews, and a legion of friends whom he loved dearly.

There will be no services or visitation; a memorial celebration will be held when circumstances allow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (svdp-sf. org) would be appreciated.