James Gary Foster

James Gary Foster passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 in Mount Angel, Oregon.

He was born February 9, 1944, in Claremont, New Hampshire to John Letourneau and Evelyn Muir. James grew up in North Walpole, New Hampshire where he attended school and St. Peter's Catholic Church serving as an altar boy. He always talked about walking across the arch bridge over the Connecticut River to attend and graduate from Bellows Falls High School, Bellows Falls, Vermont. After high school James joined the United States Navy. He served from 1964 to 1968 aboard the USS Constellation CVA64 during the Vietnam war. He was proud to be a Vietnam veteran.

James married Peggy Shields in 1990 in Salem, Oregon. He loved Peggy dearly. He worked as a general laborer for most of his life. He was often found puttering around in his garage building wood items and other things. James loved gardening, fishing, the outdoors, and telling crazy jokes. He would tell anyone who would listen about his adventures growing up in North Walpole and Bellows Falls. James was a family man through and through. His happiest moments were spending time with his family and friends.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; his daughter, DeAnna (Corey) Wohlman; his son, Jeffrey Foster; his stepdaughter, Corie Bryant; his brother, John Foster; his grandchildren, Lindsey Wohlman, Mitchell (Maecy) Wohlman, Dean Foster, Luke Bryant, Layne Bryant, and Lily Bryant; and his first great-grandchild (due January 2025).

A memorial service will be held for James on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Restlawn Funeral Home, 201 N Oak Grove Rd, Salem, Oregon 97304, starting at 11am, with a graveside service immediately following at Restlawn Memory Gardens. The US Navy will be presenting Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in James' name to Paralyzed Veterans of America (<https://secure.pva.org/>).>