A Man for Many Seasons

J.D. Foster’s Remarkable Career

J.D. Foster came to the Valley in 1995 after serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an aircraft sheet metal specialist, an experience that gave him the training for the next phase of his life. After leaving the service in 1956, he took his experience and signed up in the Sheet Metal Apprentice Program with the Sheet Metal Union in Kansas City, Missouri. That was a pivotal decision, for he eventually advanced to become the Business Manager for Local #2 Sheet Metal Union–the same Union he started out with. He racked up a total of 57 years working for them and became the boss. That is where our story picks up.

Foster is a very private man. He doesn’t like to talk about his achievements, so we had to get our information from his wife and his daughter, Jana Foster. Both of these ladies are proud of his life’s achievements and like to talk about them. Jana Foster, by the way, submitted an essay about her father to the Kansas City Labor Beacon. The Editors chose it as the contest winner and published her story about growing up as a labor leader’s daughter. She stressed in her story that J.D devoted all his time and energy to organized labor.

 

“He paid his dues and his seat was never empty on union meeting nights,” he said, adding with a smile, “I knew what a scab was when I was five-years-old, and it’s not on your knee.” She won first prize, we might add.

Laureta Foster traced their arrival in the Valley back in 1995 when they both were retired, footloose and worry-free in their motor home.

“Someone told us about the La Feria VIP RV Park, so we stayed there,” she said. “We eventually bought a mobile home there in 1998, and, as they say in the Navy, ’dropped anchor permanently in La Feria.’”

Being a lifelong Mason of 58 years, Foster joined the La Feria RGV Shrine Club and became its President in 2006. He was instrumental in building the much-needed bathroom for the Children’s Clinic. At the present time, J.D. serves as the Shrine Club’s Treasurer. When needed, he drives the Shrine Club van full of children to the Shrine Hospital in Houston. He is also active with the American Legion and Democratic Party projects–to mention some of his current activities.

The Fosters are proud of their extended families, which now include: Four children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

“Oh, yes,” Laureta spoke up: “J.D. and I are co-owners of OKIE, the cat—He is also part of the family.”

In our series of Profiles of La Feria Civic Leaders, J.D. Foster, is indeed, a Man for Many Seasons.