James J. Foley

James Joseph Foley, of Spring Hill, Florida and Hampton, New Hampshire, was born 1/21/1924, in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was the only child of James and Helen. James is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Katherine (DuBois) Foley. James was predeceased by his first wife Virginia, to whom he was married for 59 years until her passing. He was also predeceased by his two sons, John Joseph and Robert William. He is survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1941. He attended his freshman year of college at Boston University. On Navy Day 1942, James enlisted in the United States Army. He was a World War II Veteran. He attended basic training and was assigned as a statistician for the Commanding General at the Army Service Training Center in Fort Lee, Virginia. After serving 18 months he attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Lee. Upon graduation he was reassigned to the General's Staff at Fort Lee. He stayed there until his honorable discharge in September 1946. He enlisted in the Army Reserves where he served for 28 years. In the reserves, James was promoted to Battalion Commander, Chief of Government Affairs Section Civil Affairs Unit and later the Commanding Officer 357 Civil Affairs Area B Headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Commander General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1969 and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. James was discharged in 1974 upon serving 32 years as a commissioned officer. During his Army Reserve years, he worked for General Electric, rising to Manager in Purchasing for GE's Aerospace Instrument Department. He retired from General Electric after 45 years. James had two goals in life. He wanted to resume his career at General Electric and become Manager of the Purchasing Department and to become a full Colonel in the US Army. He was very pleased to have accomplished both with the loving support of his wives. James loved to tell a good joke, share a traditional Irish toast while enjoying his daily Manhattans. While summering in Hampton, NH he was fond of visiting the grave sites of his parents and grandparents, and one of his late sons all of whom he deeply loved. James was an intelligent vibrant man, full of life and it's possibilities until his passing. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.