James Foster

James (Jim) Foster, age 73, of Fosston, MN, passed away April 3, 2017 at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, MN surrounded by family. A time of remembrance will be held from Noon until 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow for family on Saturday, May 20th at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston with the Rev. Paul Magelssen officiating. Friends are also welcome to attend the service. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Military honors will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team and arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston. Messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com.James (Jim) Leroy Foster was born in Fosston, MN to parents Darrell and Isabelle (Tverberg) on March 1, 1944. He grew up and attended school in Fosston. He participated in sports and choir and graduated in 1962. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Benning, GA and Baumholder, Germany. He was discharged in 1965 and returned to Fosston. After attending junior college he accepted a position with the state of MN as an Assistant Program Manager for labor programs covering the northern portion of the state. In 1973 he married Jo Olson. They had 2 children, Jason and Erica, who also were born and raised in Fosston. Jim was then appointed as Program Director for the White Earth Tribal Council and later became the tribe's Executive Director. In addition, he was the first coordinator during the construction of the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN and he hired staff to prepare for the casino's opening. Soon after he became the casino's Public Relations Coordinator. He retired in 2016 and was proud to have served more than 25 years with the White Earth Nation and it's Shooting Star Casino.In 2007 Jim was placed on the national lung transplant waiting list after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). On April 1, 2007 his life changed when he received a call from the University of Minnesota Medical Center notifying him that a donor lung was available. The transplant was a success and he was forever grateful for this life saving gift. He celebrated his 10 year "lung anniversary" with his family by his side just 2 days before he passed. This was a goal he wanted to reach. He encouraged others to be a donor and was always happy to share his survival story.Jim treasured spending time with his children and watching his grandchildren grow. He liked to talk about current event and politics. He enjoyed meeting with friends for a morning cup of coffee, visiting family in Michigan, and watching old westerns or sports on television. He especially loved attending MN Vikings football games with his children. Jim loved to drive in his car on a warm sunny day, roll down his windows, turn up his 50s and 60s music and sing along. He had a wonderful singing voice.Jim is survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Foster and grandchild Kailey of Princeton, MN; daughter Erica(Michael) Piza and grandchildren Vivienne and Mason of Zimmerman, MN. He is also survived by his brother Daryl (Sharon) of Grand Blanc, MI and nieces Shawn Haff and her children Mitchell and Lauren; Leslie (John) Mangapora and their children Ryan and Alyssa; Mickey (Jimmy) Newman.Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother.Jim will be missed dearly. Blessed be his memory.