James “Jim” Foust passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by love, with his wife Sue and daughter Jennifer holding his hands.

Jim was born on May 19, 1950, in Iowa, to the late Joseph and Margaret Foust. From the very beginning, he was blessed with a naturally kind and gentle spirit, the bluest eyes, a heart of gold, and a warm smile for everyone he met. He was the second youngest of nine children, with five brothers and three sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.

Jim grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school in 1968 and entered the workforce immediately, beginning a lifetime defined by hard work and dedication. As fate would have it, he met his future bride, Suzanne Miller, while changing a flat tire on her car—it was love at first sight. Jim and Sue were married on June 21, 1969, in Sugar Camp, Wisconsin.

Sue’s parents, Gordon and Sallie Miller, welcomed Jim into their hearts and home as one of their own. Jim shared many cherished memories with them, fishing on Jenny Weber Lake and hunting alongside Gordie. Through them, Jim was fortunate to have “two dads” and a deepened love for the outdoors.

A position with Local Union 669 brought Jim and Sue to the Fox Valley, where he began his career as a sprinkler fitter. In 1973, they purchased their home in Combined Locks, just in time to celebrate their daughter Jennifer’s first birthday. That house became a place of warmth and welcome—where anyone who walked through the door was treated like family. In August of 1975, Jim and Sue proudly welcomed their son, Joshua James, completing their family.

Jim was deeply involved in his community, giving generously of his time through many organizations. He served as Cubmaster for Josh’s Boy Scout troop, participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and was an active member of the Appleton Jaycees and the Combined Locks Advancement Association.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Jim found great joy in Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, streams, and woods. He treasured the friendships forged on the water and in the woods and rarely missed an opportunity to fish or hunt—always making sure the freezer was full.

After a work-related back injury and multiple surgeries brought his sprinkler-fitting career to an end, Jim began a second career working campus security at Lawrence University. There, he thrived, enjoying daily interactions with students and staff and forming meaningful relationships that extended well beyond the campus. He retired in 2015 from Valley Roller and was ready for free time to begin enjoying the outdoors to the fullest.

Though health challenges slowed him somewhat over the years, Jim discovered a new and perfect role—being a grandpa. This job fit him to a T. His granddaughter Halle was born in March 2002, followed by Bryton in September 2010. Jim loved both girls deeply, proudly cheering them on in everything they did. Time with his granddaughters was never long enough and always filled with laughter and love. Watching Bryton play softball was something “Grandpa Sue” especially cherished and eagerly looked forward to each season.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his daughter Jennifer; son-in-law Jason Seefeldt; and granddaughter Bryton, all of Combined Locks. He is also survived by granddaughter Halle, Brother-in-law David Miller of Bryon MN as well as many wonderful neighbors, friends, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, in-laws and his beloved son, Joshua James, in 2001.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and friend. While we have lost our hero, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain, free from doctors’ appointments and can enjoy all the sugary snacks. We imagine him fishing anytime he wants (with no limit), hunting in an overpopulated forest with unlimited tags, and sharing a beer with his son as they catch up on everything that has happened since he passed away.

Please join Jim’s family for a drop‑in, come‑as‑you‑are visitation April19th from 2pm-4pm at Jansen Fargo Funeral Home, 204 E. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly Wisconsin 54130 to share happy memories and celebrate his life in the way he would have wanted—to be remembered as a loving, caring man who truly enjoyed life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff on the third floor, Fremont side, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially Charlie and Jackie, for helping make this transition easier. Jim was treated with respect, dignity, and kindness, for which the family will always be grateful.

To My Dad

My dad was a force of nature; driven to provide for his family and give us the life he believed we deserved. His work ethic was unmatched, and he passed on to me his compassion for others and kindness toward strangers. Thank you for being my hero. You can rest now—Mom and I will be okay, always carrying your strength with us.

I am often told that I am just like you, and I am honored beyond measure if that is true. I never told you how proud I am to be your daughter. Losing you has been incredibly hard, but I am forever grateful that your wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love shaped me into the person I am today.