The Honorable Suffragan Bishop Emeritus James Phillip Foster, Jr. peacefully transitioned to his eternal home on January 28, 2026.
A passionate and deeply genuine man of God, Bishop Foster faithfully preached God’s love, goodness, and salvation. Known as a General in the Lord’s Army, he was a joyful and brilliant father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who made an immediate and lasting impact on St. Joseph, Missouri, when he relocated from Omaha, Nebraska, in 1973. With his unique personality, Rev. Foster drew people in wherever he went, as he truly never met a stranger, and he used this gift wholeheartedly for the work of the Lord.
An accomplished classical pianist, Rev. Foster also held a master’s degree in Counseling. His life reflected excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Bishop Foster dearly cherished his wife, the late and beautiful songbird, First Lady Cozetta Stone Foster. Together they raised seven children, and Dad was a loving, humorous, and devoted father to Ingrid “Toni” (LB) Galbearth; Kimberly (Robert) Warren; James III (Roberta) Foster; Caleb (Micah) Foster; Angela Alford; David (Ashley) Foster; and Cynthia (Marty) McCallon. His eldest son, Pastor James Foster III, along with Lady Roberta Foster, was later elevated to serve as pastor of Greater Jesus Tabernacle, the church Bishop Foster founded in 1974, faithfully continuing his father’s legacy. Affectionately known to many as “Jim,” he was also a proud Vietnam veteran.
S. Bishop Foster was blessed with eighteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was the eldest of seven living siblings: Dana, Gaile, Bishop Steven Foster, Eartha, Faith, and Bishop Lance Foster. He also shared close and loving relationships with eight siblings-in-law from the Stone family, whom he considered dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, First Lady Cozetta Stone Foster; his mother, Lady Gloria Foster; his father, Bishop James Foster, Sr.; and several uncles and an aunt.
In addition to his pastoral calling, Bishop Foster served for many years as a gym and motor-skills teacher at Helen Davis State School for the Severely Handicapped, where he believed and demonstrated that students could achieve far beyond perceived limitations through passion, expertise, and faith. Later in life, he also served faithfully as a prison chaplain in Cameron, Missouri.
A Faithful Servant of the Lord, his life reflected steadfast obedience, enduring love, and a legacy that will continue to bless generations.
The family invites memorial contributions to Greater Jesus Tabernacle, in support of the ministry Bishop Foster loved and faithfully served. Contributions may be made via PayPal at paypal.me/jesustabernacle or by contacting [email protected], or mail to 2739 Mitchell Ave., St Joseph, MO 64507.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 6, Word of Life Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
