James Maurice Foley

James Maurice Foley October 16, 1934 - August 7, 2025 James "Jim" Foley, 90, of Roseville, Minnesota, died peacefully with family at his side August 7, 2025. Jim's resilience was quietly inspiring - an enduring testament to the strength of character that defined his life. We are all blessed that his mind and extraordinary memory were sharp to the end of his life. Jim was the youngest of four boys born to Richard and Antonia Foley. His parents as well as his brothers Robert, Richard and Edward preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Kerber); children, Jane (Mike) Connelly, Colleen (David) Reitan, Kathleen (Clare) Lillis and Patrick. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: Brendan (Natalie) Connelly and their children James, Ryan and Nora; Ryan (Anna) Connelly and their children Evelyn and Violet; Patrick Connelly; Eric (Kelly) Reitan and their children Harold and Julia; Hannah (nee Reitan) (David) Okada and their children Nathan and Oscar; Ben Foley and Jack Foley; and step-grandson Jared (Mignon) Mason and their children Django, Geivan and Nicodemus. Jim attended St. John's University (MN) and the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned his MBA at Marquette University. He was proud of his service in the Army, starting with ROTC to tracking the Russian Satellite "Sputnik" as an officer, and then serving in the Wisconsin National Guard. Jim and his beloved wife, Elizabeth, were married June 29, 1957. During their successful 68-year marriage they lived in New Jersey, Wisconsin and finally settled in Minnesota. They established themselves in each community, making lifelong friends and memories that shaped their life. Jim worked as an electrical engineer at McGraw-Edison in Milwaukee, WI and at 3M in Maplewood, MN and has his name on many patents; and later as a patent agent at 3M. Jim had the opportunity to travel worldwide for work and for pleasure with Elizabeth. His travel, education, endless curiosity and scientific mind served him, his family and his community. He challenged himself to solve big problems and took pride in his home improvement skills; he loved directing others' projects and involving anyone nearby to assist. There was no project he wouldn't tackle. Jim (also known as Jimbo Daddio) was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and friend. He introduced to all his love of skiing, fishing, canoeing in the Boundary Waters and hiking, playing cards and cribbage. In addition, Jim liked to watch sports, attend concerts and plays, dine out, read, travel with family and friends and tell stories. Jim extended his can-do spirit to community projects in his beloved neighborhood on Lake Owasso, the Roseville Rotary Club, ACTS of St. Paul, and Villa Park Condominiums, just to name a few. Jim and Elizabeth have been long time members of St. Odilia Catholic Church. Of the many ways Jim served, one of his most meaningful contributions was as Chair of the St. Odilia Church and Courtyard Committee which resulted in a beautiful new worship center in 1983. Jim was cared for at the end of his life at The Shores of Lake Phalen and by Hospice of the Midwest. His family is forever grateful for the loving compassionate caregivers. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, August 29 St Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126. Visitation at 10:00am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Live stream at: www.stodilia.org. A lunch will be served following the service. Private burial on August 30 in Shorewood, MN. Memorials preferred to St Odilia Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice.

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James Maurice Foley

October 16, 1934 - August 7, 2025

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