James M. Foster

James McClellan “Zeke” Foster, 86, of Galesburg, died at 9:18 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Seminary Manor.  Zeke was born on October 8, 1922 in Oneida, the son of Clyde M. and Rosella Wilkins Foster. He married Shirley Jean Rich on December 21, 1941 in Kahoka, MO. She preceded her in death on December 12, 1994. Surviving are 2 sons, Fred (Ann) Foster of Galesburg and James D. Foster of Naples, FL; a brother, Jack (Jeanie) Foster of Oneida; a sister, Mary Lou (Jerry) Matherly of Phoenix, AZ; and a granddaughter, Mindy L. Foster of St. Augustine Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Keith “Tiny” Foster of Oneida and Richard “Cap” Foster of Aurora. He graduated from Oneida High School where he was very active in basketball and baseball. Jim served in the US Army from 1943 to 1946 and was a sergeant in the military police and active in boxing and was base champ at Fort Dix, NJ where put on an exhibition fight with Joey Maxim, who was light heavyweight champion.   When he returned to Galesburg he worked briefly at Butler’s Mfg. and then joined the Galesburg police department working over 31 years, retiring in 1978. During this time he was very active in the Illinois Police Association and its youth camp in Dahinda, as well as in the Illinois Policeman’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Jim was also very active and successful golden glove boxer from high school through the 1950’s. Zeke was also an area school bus driver and an IHSA referee and umpire as well as playing area softball and baseball, and bowled on a league at the East Main Bowl. After retirement, Jim continued to drive a school bus. He and Shirley would visit friends at the American Legion Post #285 where he was a longtime member. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Oneida. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Watson Funeral Home, with Rev. David Pyell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, with military rites conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #285 or the Galesburg Police Department PB & PA #19 (Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association).