James Monroe Foster, 91 of Hawkins, Texas, passed from this earthly life on February 14, 2026.

He was born to Monroe Lawrence Foster and Florence Nightingale Green Foster on June 21, 1934. Growing up in McNeil, Arkansas, his family faithfully attended New Hope Baptist Church. On August 15, 1945, James made the most important decision of his life. He walked down the aisle and while sitting on the front pew with his pastor, he asked Jesus into his heart.

After high school graduation, James moved to Dallas and began working at Sears Roebuck & Co., but at the age of 22 he was called to serve his country.  He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, teaching other soldiers how to repair artillery radios. After his service was complete with the U.S. Army, he returned to Dallas and the church he had loved, Missionary Baptist. There he met the love of his life, Louella Watson. On June 12, 1959 they were married and raised three children. In 1993 James and Louella both retired from their jobs (on the same day), left Dallas and made their home on Lake Hawkins. James enjoyed hunting, but he loved to fish even more. While serving at Missionary Baptist, he was ordained as a deacon and served as a church treasurer for more than 40 years. When the church started the Mexican Baptist Institute, James was an original trustee and board member of the school.  Singing was part of worship for James. He enjoyed singing gospel songs with Lou and her sister, Fay. Most recently, he was a faithful member of Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Louella Watson Foster; son, James Gregory Foster; grandson, Kyle Monroe Foster; brothers, Lawrence Elzie Foster, Harvey Glenell Foster and Bobby Wayne Foster; sisters, Lillian Foster Harrison and Dottie Foster Ford.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Lorraine Foster Bishop; daughter, Brenda Foster Christian (husband Rodney); son, Farron Keith Foster; grandchildren, Teri Dyson (husband Paul), Brad Christian, Rocky Foster and Kevin Foster; great grandchildren, Drew Dyson, Jamey Dyson and Dylan Foster and numerous other extended family members and friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Foster will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at Hubbard Chapel Baptist Church (SW corner of FM 778 and County Road 2590; Mineola, TX); where a visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the services.  Interment will take place in the Hawkins City Cemetery.

James' greatest desire was for family and friends to know Jesus. If you have never asked Jesus into your heart, please make the most important decision of your life while you have the opportunity.