James Raymond Foulkes, 97, died at his home in Boone, NC attended by family.  He was the son of William and Ruth (Beery) Foulkes, born in 1927, in Lima, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dick; his first wife, Marilynn (nee Hall); his son, David; and his daughter, Jill.

He is survived by his beloved second wife of 45 years, Martha (nee Penner); his daughters Terrie (Ian) Caisley, Gwen (Don) Amborski and Jackie (Mark) Royster; eight grandchildren: Colin and Madelynn Caisley; James, Raymond and Marilynn Amborski; Helene, Daniel and Emily Royster; and 4 great grandchildren.

Jim was drafted into the army in WW2, and it was then that his faith became solid and personal. After the war he attended Asbury College where he discerned the call to be a medical missionary. He subsequently attended Ohio State Medical School, where he met and married his first wife, Marilynn. In 1958, following a surgical residency the young couple, and their first 2 children, left for Mukinge Hospital, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia). The hospital was 300 miles from the nearest town.

For 40 years Jim enjoyed a fulfilling and varied medical career at Mukinge. He became an expert in Sleeping Sickness and was on the ground when patients began showing up with 'Slim Disease" which soon became known worldwide as AIDS. While in his 50's he took specialized training in eye surgery, and pioneered eye clinics throughout the district which restored eyesight to many.

When he turned 70, he and Martha retired to Boone, NC at the invitation of Dr. Dick Furman. They were blessed to enter into a full life there which included being welcomed into Alliance Bible Fellowship, World Medical Mission, and an elite inner circle of Appalachian State Football Fans.

Running was a lifelong passion for Jim. He ran regularly until the age of 92 and then retired to walking.

He was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Lima City Schools; the Asbury Alumni 'A' Award; the Alumni Achievement Award from the Ohio State University College of Medicine; the Award for Excellence in Medical Missions from World Medical Missions; and a Gold Medal in the National Senior Games for the 5K.

Yet, the prize he sought most earnestly was to run his earthly race in such a way that he would hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!" as he crossed The Finish Line.

Memorial gifts may be made to: The Post Residency Program - World Medical Missions; General Missions Fund - Alliance Bible Fellowship (Boone, NC); Mukinge Hospital Children's/Teacher Resource Center - Through 'Samaritan's Purse' or 'Friends of Mukinge' ( http://mukinge.org/

A Memorial Service will be held at Alliance Bible Fellowship, Boone, NC at 2:00 PM ET February 8, 2025. Reception to follow.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.