James "Jim" Foley

James M. Foley died in the Illinois Valley of Oregon on February 3, 2019 at the age of 88 after an extended illness. Jim was a very close friend of the Robinson family with whom he lived after his retirement. Jim was never married.

Jim was born in San Mateo, California in 1930. He served as a navy pilot of reconnaissance aircraft during the Korean War. After retiring from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1957, Jim flew international passenger aircraft for Pan American Airways and, after these routes were sold to United, he flew international routes for United Airlines. As soon as the Boeing 747 was brought into service, Jim piloted 747s until his retirement. He also served as a flight instructor for Pan American. In a profession of commercial pilots, who are very highly professional, Jim Foley was known as an exceptionally outstanding, skilled, and careful pilot.

In addition to his career in aviation, Jim served his nation through extensive work in pro-liberty causes. He was a prominent supporter and worker in the group of scholars that included Murray Rothbard, Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, F. A. Harper, Burt Blumert, David Keyston, and Ron Paul. In this role, Jim labored for many decades on behalf of our nation.
Jim was also a strong advocate of home schooling. He convinced Art and Laurelee Robinson to home school their six children, which led eventually to their six advanced degrees in science, engineering, and medicine and to their home school curriculum that has educated 100,000 K-12 students.

During Jim’s long battle with multiple system atrophy, which led eventually to his death, Jim’s primary care giver was Matthew Robinson, PhD, aided by his brothers and sisters and close friends. Jim remained mentally and intellectually active throughout this illness.

Jim Foley was a member of those who have been called America’s “greatest generation.” Among those men and women, he surely earned this designation.

A committal service with military honors will be at 9:00 a.m., February 15, 2019 at Eagle Point National Cemetery.