Help Us Celebrate and Honor Jim Foster

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of James Foster. Jim devoted his best years to supporting queer youth in Sonoma County. As co-founder of Positive Images, he created support groups designed to help LGBTQQI youth living in hostile times. Jim and the team at PI also conducted workshops and speakers panels aimed at confronting homophobia by destigmatizing and humanizing queer youth. PI also had a mentor program, and Jim himself mentored many over the years. There is no doubt that Jim's work saved lives. Additionally, he ran the Santa Rosa High School Peer Counseling program for many years and worked with youth, families, and couples as a family therapist. Jim was known for his bright and positive demeanor, his contagious, if sometimes sarcastic, sense of humor, and his love for cats and cars.

In 2019, Jim was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This debilitated Jim, and we organized a fundraising campaign to support his medical costs. Eventually, that money helped him live at home with caretakers. When those funds ran out, his expenses were covered by financial gifts and social security. However, this did not leave Jim with money in the bank, so we are again fundraising to give Jim the memorial/celebration of life he deserves. Mortuary costs will be covered first. Second, we want to support his primary caretaker in her transition to a new job. Jim's sudden passing meant sudden unemployment for her. Without her and J.T., Jim could not have remained out of a facility and enjoyed his last years at home. Any remaining funds will go towards celebrating Jim's life with the entire community in the near future. Information on the memorial will be posted here.

Jim was an elder in the best sense of the word. This is a small way to honor his life. Please give what you can.

Sincerely,

J.T. Bymaster and Christopher Bowers