20170306081330958_0001-209x300Funeral services for James Darrell Foster, “Pops”, 70, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017 in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Ohl officiating.

James Darrell Foster, “Pops”, of Oklahoma City, previously of Chickasha, passed away March 3, 2017, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.  Jim was born April 9, 1946, to Arlene and James O. Foster at Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Chickasha.

A resident of Alex, Jim spent his early years playing football, basketball, and running track at Alex High School and attended Alex Missionary Church. After his family moved to Chickasha in 1963, Jim continued his athletic pursuits at Chickasha High School.  His fondest memory at Chickasha High was running for a 63-yard touchdown at University of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium against Norman High.  Jim graduated from Chickasha High School in 1964 and continued his education at Cameron University and the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.  While attending OCLA, Jim joined the armed services in 1966.  Upon completing his service, Jim resumed the pursuit of his education at OCLA where he achieved a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  After receiving his degree from OCLA, Jim attended the University of Colorado School of Public Administration where he received a master’s level degree in Healthcare Financial Management.

In 1970, Jim began his family in Chickasha when he married Betty Henderson from Duncan. They had one child, John Damon Foster, in 1973.  During his time in Chickasha, Jim worked at Grady Memorial Hospital as director of business services.   Jim was also a proud member of the Elks Lodge Post #2125. In 1982, Jim moved he and his family to Oklahoma City when he was recruited to join the staff of Mercy Health Center as director of business services in charge of the business office.  He was responsible for handling the admitting, outpatient, and computer services departments.  In 1983, Jim met and married LuAnn Rudd from Paducah, Kentucky.  In 1984, they moved to Edmond where he had his second son, Trevor Rudd Foster.

In 1991, Jim retired from his work in hospital administration and moved to Newport Beach, California, where he continued to work on projects in the healthcare field that included implementing an HMO network and managing other businesses. Jim was an avid Sooners fan and a fanatical OKC Thunder fan. He was happiest sitting on his back deck, having coffee, and hanging out with his children and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father, Arlene and James O. Foster and one sister, Shirley Sue Foster.

Jim is survived by his two sons, John Damon Foster and Trevor Rudd Foster of Oklahoma City; two grandchildren, Emma Katherine Foster and Clara Elizabeth Foster of Oklahoma City; one sister, Brenda Wilkinson of Chickasha; and nieces Kimberly LeBleu and Keri Jahn of Chickasha; and other extended family and friends.

Interment will be in Alex Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.