James H. Foil, Jr.

James (Jim) Foil died peacefully at home in Auburn, Alabama on December 16, 2024. He was 89 years old. Jim was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, and graduated from Boyden High School and Davidson College. After school, Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan Carol Thomas. They settled in Salisbury where he worked in the family automobile business for eighteen years. During that time, he was actively involved in church and community affairs, serving in various clubs, boards, and committees.

In 1974, Jim felt called into the ministry and entered Columbia Theological Seminary. He often referred to his time at Columbia as a time of growth, discovery and a renewed sense of purpose. After graduating, he and his family moved to Belton, South Carolina where he served as the minister of Belton Presbyterian Church, USA. In 1996, Jim and Joan returned to Salisbury where he served as the Pastoral Care Minister of the First Presbyterian Church.  They enjoyed their first nine years of retirement living on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. In 2009, Joan and Jim moved to Auburn to be closer to family. He quickly became involved in the community and was an active member of Auburn First Presbyterian Church.

Jim was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, deep faith and wise counsel. He loved to fish, cheer on the Clemson Tigers, and always found a way to start a men’s breakfast group whenever he moved to town. He was especially proud of his family.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lucille Foil, and his sister, Jeri Foil Barkley. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan Thomas Foil; his children, David Foil (Gina), Julie Price (Clay) and Craig Foil (Melissa); six grandchildren, Kate Mouchet (Chase), Brian Price (Ellen), Mark Price (Leah), Mary Ann Cottle (Ryan), Elizabeth Thompson (JC), and Will Foil; and eight great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21 at Auburn First Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to Auburn First Presbyterian Church, Auburn, Alabama. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our loving caregivers, Gentiva Hospice, and the many friends that so richly blessed Papa Jim’s life.

He always wanted “to leave the campsite better than he found it.” To God be the Glory!