Jerry James Foster, 86, died March 29, 2026. Jerry was born November 12, 1939, and grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of the late town physician, Dr. Gerald Foster, and a community-minded mother, the late Lucille (Jemison) Foster.

He often said he had the perfect childhood, adored by his paternal grandmother and loved and respected by both of his parents. Jerry never heard a disparaging word from his mother and at an early age, he accompanied his physician father to work, going from home to home, watching his father care for patients, and leading to an interest in the field of medicine.

As a child Jerry developed a passion for reading and learning. Life’s early experiences created Jerry’s lifelong curiosity, love of learning, and respect for people of all kinds. After attending Duke University for three years, Jerry transferred to Ohio State University and then later attended The OSU College of Medicine, becoming a pediatric physician in 1964, with a master's in psychology.

Jerry first married in 1962 and fathered two bright and beautiful children, Sheila and Brad. After residency, Jerry entered the Air Force under the Berry Plan and served at Rheinmein Air Force Base in Germany from 1968-1972. Following his military service, Jerry joined the Ohio State University Pediatric Department and served as the chairman of the Adolescent Department, Ambulatory Department and Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio from 1973-1978. While there he founded the Emergency Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It was also while at Children’s Hospital in Columbus that Jerry became deeply committed to addressing child abuse across the nation, serving on the National Board Against Child Abuse and working with schools, agencies and hospitals to support children and parents in ending the cycle of abuse.

Following his divorce in 1974, Jerry married Joanna Walz Montgomery in 1975, expanding his family to include Joanna’s son Scott Montgomery. In 1978, Jerry re-entered the Air Force and was assigned to chair the Pediatric Department at Wilford Hall, Lackland Air Force Base, where he served from 1978-1984. Jerry later moved to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton Ohio, where he served as the Chairman of Pediatrics from 1984-1994. He later served as the pediatric consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General, Charles (Chip) Roadman. Jerry completed his military career by returning to San Antonio, Texas, where his assignment was to integrate medical residencies for the Air Force and the US Army.

He retired in 1997, and among other honors was awarded the Legion of Merit. Although Jerry experienced serious health problems which curtailed his post-military professional plans, Jerry’s zest for learning never wavered. He loved to travel and he and Joanna explored the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean and from Europe to Japan and Australia. Jerry’s love of learning also led him to what he referred to as his second career.

As a member of the Travis Park United Methodist Church, Jerry became passionate about its ministry to the homeless and in helping to transform lives. He loved teaching and working with people of all ages, educational backgrounds and income levels. Jerry possessed the uncanny ability to always see the best in people, accept them just as they are, and to put them at ease. As a human being, Jerry was extraordinary. A man of great integrity and kindness, he was bright, creative and compassionate. He was a loving husband, an adoring father and grandfather, and a blessing to all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joanna Foster; his children, Sheila Foster and husband Brett Nixon, and Brad Foster and wife Leah; a stepson, Scott Montgomery and wife Lori Nakaoka; his grandchildren, Clarity Carder, Bailey Foster, and Keegan Foster; stepgrandchildren, Haley Montgomery, Clyde Montgomery, Elana King-Nakaoka, and Sara King-Nakaoka; his brother, Stephen Foster and wife Sally; sisters-in-law, Miriam McCall, and Nancy Chinn and husband Garry Chinn; and eleven nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-sister, Joan Waterson and husband Bob; a brother-in-law, John McCall.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Fischer Funeral Home, 412 E. Main Street, Warsaw, Ohio 43844. Burial will follow in Valley View Cemetery, Warsaw, with graveside military rites performed by the Coshocton County Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions are suggested to the Travis Park UMC, 230 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205; or to the First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520.

The Fischer Funeral Home is assisting with services. A memorial page is available at fischerfuneralhome.com.