James Patrick Foley, better known as Jim to his family and friends, was born the oldest son of Pat and Eva (Park) Foley on September 28, 1929 on Ash Creek, north of Philip, South Dakota. He grew up on the family ranch near the community of Dowling, South Dakota and graduated from Wall High School in 1948.

In 1951 Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Europe with the Army of Occupation following WWII. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to the family ranch north of Philip.

On November 25, 1954, Jim married Elizabeth Ann Gering in Aurora, Illinois. They eventually made their home in Rapid City where they raised seven children. Family time was important to Jim and Betty as the children were growing up and continued to be important throughout their lives. Jim spent the majority of his career as a construction superintendent in the Rapid City area.

Upon his retirement, Jim enjoyed building woodcrafts, gardening, growing fruit, and making his own jams and jellies. He and his wife Betty enjoyed traveling and visiting family, especially their grandchildren. Betty preceded Jim in death on September 3, 2000, and in 2001 Jim moved to Midland, South Dakota. He enjoyed being a member of the community and renewing some old friendships and making many new ones.

While in Rapid City, Jim became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and their honor degree of the Military Order of the Cootie. He was recognized as Captain of the All-State Commander’s team for his service as a Post Commander, as well as District Commander of the Year. Jim served as the Grand Seam Squirrel of the Department of South Dakota Military Order of the Cootie. Jim was also a member of St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland and the American Legion.

Jim is survived by seven children and their families: Ann Trebesch of Wahpeton, North Dakota, Pat Foley of Midland, Mike and Benita of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary and Rick Stainbrook of Gillette, WY, Jim of Rapid City, Matt of Midland, and Joe of Cheyenne, WY; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister Tom and Ann Foley of Philip, Nellie and Bob Kellogg of Standish, Michigan, and Carl and Mary Foley of Sacramento, California; his mother in-law Dorothy Gering of North Aurora, Illinois; two uncles Otis Park of Rapid City, and Bill Park of Yakima, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife Elizabeth, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Joe Foley and a son in-law Ken Trebesch.

Mass of Christian Burial for James P. "Jim" Foley, age 73, of Midland, South Dakota were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2002 at St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland with Father Tony Grossenburg as celebrant.

Visitation was 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. all at the St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland.

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

USHERS
Richard Foley - Mark Foley

PALLBEARERS
Patrick J. Foley - Mathew M. Foley
Michael R. Foley - Joseph A. Foley
James M. Foley - Richard L. Stainbrook

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance