James Foster

James Patterson Foster, 94, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died Friday July 29, 2022. He was born January 14, 1928 in Fort Smith to Arthur E. and Jamie Patterson Foster. James attended school in Fort Smith and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business administration and finance in 1949.

James spent 35 years in the Air National Guard and was a founding member of the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 184th Reconnaissance Squadron, which became the 188th Air National Guard. James married Wanda Ann Rogers in 1949 and this September would have been married for 73 years. James retired from First Federal Saving and Loan. In retirement, he enjoyed being with his wife, playing clarinet in the Community Band of Western Arkansas, and working with Habitat For Humanity. He also enjoyed working with stained glass, planting flowers and making a vegetable garden. He was able to share these interests with his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to church and the Chapel class at First United Methodist Church.

He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, JoAnn Foster Caruthers.

James, also called Jimmy, is survived by his wife, Wanda Ann; one daughter, Jane Foster Stauffer and husband John R. Stauffer of Fort Smith; one son, John Patterson Foster and his wife Debbie Patton Foster; three loving grandchildren, Kelli Stauffer Gordon and her husband Clayton Gordon of Conway, Arkansas; Tracie Stauffer Nutter and her husband Joseph Nutter of Murphy, Texas; and Whitney Foster Upchurch and her husband Patrick Upchurch of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Jimmy and Wanda have 5 great-grandchildren: Hannah Gordon, Elizabeth Gordon, James Clayton Gordon, Elinore Nutter and Warren John Upchurch.

Visitation will be Monday August 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home.

There will be a private family interment on Tuesday, August 2 at Forest Park Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Roebuck Chapel.

Memorials may be made at First United Methodist Church Mission Projects, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

To view the guestbook online, go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com