James Henry "Jim" Foster

James Henry "Jim" Foster

James Henry "Jim" Foster, passed away Monday, March 20th at The College Station Medical Center.

Jim was an accomplished man of 93 years. He would tell you that his greatest accomplishments were his family and friendships.

Born February 15, 1924 in Lancaster, Texas just outside Dallas. He graduated from Crozier Technical High School.

He enrolled at Texas A&M University where he was in the in the Corps of Cadets. In 1943, he was awarded the title of "sharpshooter" by the NRA.

Jim left A&M to serve his beloved country as a Naval Airman. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After his Naval Service, Jim returned to Texas A&M University and obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. His education served him well throughout his life and he is recognized among the Distinguished Alumni.

Upon graduating, Jim began his career with the Atlantic Richfield Company in Drilling and Production. From 1954 to 1976 he served as Vice President of World Marketing with Mc Evoy Oilfield Equipment Co. which became Rockwell Manufacturing Co.

His reputation as a savvy, tough, fair and honest businessman, brought him accolades from those with whom he worked. In 1968, he was inducted into the Empyrean Realm of Nomads.

Jim's long and esteemed career continued, when in 1977 he established Foster Oilfield Equipment Company, now part of Cooper Cameron. He served as Founder and President, until retiring in 1985.

Jim invented and patented numerous valves and other equipment that revolutionized the oilfield drilling and pipeline industry, of which many are still in use in worldwide.

While in Houston Jim met and married Alice Wallis. They would have celebrated their 45th anniversary on the 20th of April. Jim and Alice were not only husband and wife, but best friends. With the great love they shared, they were always happy together traveling the world, playing golf or entertaining family and friends. They brought joy into each other's lives and to those around them.

Jim was member of The Petroleum Club and Engineer's Clubs of Houston. He and Alice were members of Braeburn Valley, Horseshoe Bay and Pebble Creek Country Clubs.

Both Jim and Alice love Texas A&M. Their philanthropy has established President Endowed Scholarships, along with Sul Ross and Rudder scholarships for the Corps of Cadets. They both believed that education is the key to successful

future and that the resources they invested in the lives of young Aggies would be their lasting legacy. The time they spent with their scholarship students was always a joy to both of them......and over the years they developed long lasting friendships with many of these bright young Aggies.

Jim was a true southern gentleman and his heart was always filled with love, kindness, understanding and generosity. He will remain in our hearts and his wisdom will continue to guide us. Jim would want to thank all of those people who brought so much joy into his life: his family, friends, coworkers, employees, neighbors, Cadets and all who helped make him the person he was.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Mary Jane and Marcus Foster and daughter Linda. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Alice, daughter Cynthia and son Wayne. Grandchildren: Jayme, Kristie, Stacy, Michael and James William; four great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster, Texas.

Arrangements are being handled by Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center in Bryan, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Corps of Cadets General Scholarship Fund Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840, or

The Parkinson Research Foundation, Parkinsonhope.org or to the charity of your choice.