James Rodger Foley passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on July 12, 1931, and grew up on the Foley family homestead in Blair. He was one of seven children born to Robert Foley and Alma (Johnson) Foley.
He attended Maney Country School through eighth-grade then attended Blair High School, graduating in 1948. Jim joined the Army during the Korean war and rose to the rank of corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
He met Connie French during a leave from the war, and they were married on August 6, 1955. Upon returning from the war, he farmed the family homestead and built a house in front of his childhood home.
Over the years, five children were born to this union. He was strong in his Catholic faith and active at St. Francis Borgia, serving on many committees as the church grew over the years. Jim was also active in the community. He served for 12 years as a school board member and was instrumental in the building of the new high school.
Jim developed many close friends over the years and was quick to volunteer help to anyone that needed it. He loved playing baseball and was a pitcher on the Blair American Legion team.
Jim was an avid baseball fan, in particular the St. Louis Cardinals, and he enjoyed watching the Creighton Blue Jays.
He was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Tractor rides from Grandpa were the highlight of the grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ visits to the farm.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Connie, his sisters, Margaret (Charles) Wilkinson, Dorothy (Willis) Van Giesen, Janet (Robert) O’Hanlon, and his brothers, Robert (Phyllis), John (Joan) and Gerald.
Jim is survived by his loving children: Mike (Kristin) Foley of Waco NE, Mary (Wayne) Johnson of Ankeny IA, Jim (Chris) Foley of Blair NE, Bill Foley of Omaha, NE, and Linda (Mark) Meissner of St. Charles, MO. Jim is also survived by and was extremely proud of his 12 grandkids and 11 (soon to be 12) great-grandkids.
Visitation will be held at Campbell-Aman Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5th, from 5-7 p.m. followed by a Rosary service. The funeral is scheduled for Friday, June 6th, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia. Luncheon will be served at the church following the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Siena Francis House in Omaha or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Services by Campbell Aman Funeral Home, Blair, NE. www.campbellaman.com
