James L. "Jim" Foster 1952 - 2016

FOSTER, WASHBURN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/14/2016 at 17:13:02

Sioux City Journal
2 March 2016

SIOUX CITY | James L. "Jim" Foster, 63, of Sioux City passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at a Sioux City hospital.

A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Merrill Muller officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a time of sharing memories at 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jim was born on June 10, 1952, in Sioux City, to Elmer and Evelyn (Washburn) Foster. He graduated from Leeds High School with the Class of 1970, where he was a star athlete. Jim lettered in track and field, football, and his favorite sport basketball. Sports announcer Gene Sherman referred to Jim as greased lightning. Jim attended Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, on an athletic scholarship to play basketball.

Jim and Jan were in a common-law marriage for 25 years, when she lost her marbles and said yes. The two were married in a civil ceremony at the Icky Nickel on Aug. 25, 2012. Jan's marbles were returned to her on that day by Andrea. Jim worked for Laborers International Union Local 427. He retired from the hall after 20-plus years. Jim, then with his wife Jan, created The Icky Nickel Bar & Grill in 1997, a place that brought the old and the young together with good food and great service. Jim and Jan retired from the bar on June 12, 2015, after 18 years. Jim was a longstanding business member of A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa District 10.

Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jan of Sioux City; daughter, Rachel (Gregory) Gray of Clinton, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Maddie, Max, and Bobby; sister, Sandra "Kay" (Rich) Hoins of Hebron, Neb.; nieces, Heather (Steve) Lemon and Heidi (Chad) Case; three grandnephews; and three grandnieces.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Hillary Hoins.

Pallbearers for the service will be Greg Johnson, Eric Johnson, Joey Medina, Tyler Ruhland, Greg Bean, and Mike Crawford. Honorary bearers will be Gary Winter, Larry Kovarna, Jay Ivanoff, Nick Erie, Mike Steele, Alan Johnson, Mike Cox, Mark Hanson, and Mitch Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.