James Foster Jr.

James Foster, Jr. was born on June 12, 1951 to the late Willie C. Foster-Chaney and James Foster Sr. (Jimmy), in Brooklyn New York. He was the first born of two of their children. James has 2 siblings and 2 step-siblings from his father.  Jimmy and Willlie first lived in the Kingsboro Projects with James’ paternal grandmother until they eventually moved to Forte Green Projects.  As a child, James loved to play Chess and Backgammon. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts and a very talented artist.

In 1975, James had his first born, daughter, Shatara. In 1980, his second child, son, James Foster III and finally in 1986, his youngest, daughter, Samantha. Together with mothers and maternal grandmothers, James’ pride was in raising his children, and taking picture of every moment.  

After completing treatment at Phoenix House in 1991, James wanted to give back, so he began working there as a drug counselor.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he moved on to be a counselor at Cumberland Diagnostic Center. It was there that he received a promotion as an Assistant Director. James helped countless people recover from drug addiction.

With the guidance of his maternal grandmother Sallie Gardner, James discovered his love for grilling, so much so that even when he wasn’t grilling, he was giving pointers on how to grill or challenging the person grilling to a cook-off. 

James was the ultimate big brother. He was a kindhearted, generous man who was known to many as an honorable man that demonstrated great integrity and love for the ladies.  He was family orientated and enjoyed being surrounded by family and attending family functions.       

James love for his children was the motivating factor for him to change his life around.  Which he did in an exemplary manner by returning to school to receive his master’s degree.  James was loved, well spoken, educated, well-dressed, artistic and overall well-rounded man. 

On April 12, 2020, at the age of 68 James Foster, Jr. was called home to be with the Lord.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie C. Gardner-Chaney, Father James Foster Sr. and brother, William F. Foster. 

He leaves to carry on his memory; daughters, Shatara Foster and Samantha Mills; son, James Foster,III; stepdaughter, Nicole Allen; sister, Theresa Foster-Hickson; brother, Gregory Thompson; step-sister, Renee M. Blake; step-brother, Michael Blake; two sisters in-law, Patricia Foster and Yolanda Thompson; six grandchildren, Tamia, Taylor, Tyler, Jade, Cameron and Logan; two god-daughters, Amiah Jaela Azuri Bute-Vinson and Brittany Long; one Aunt, Murdis Brown; 12 nieces and nephews, 9 cousins, and a host of other relatives, many, many friends including his life-long best friend Jessica (aka) Jessie.

James will forever be loved and cherished in our hearts.

Submitted in Great Sadness and Sorrow,

by his Family

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