James Michael Foster

James Michael Foster passed away on April 29, 2021, succumbing to prostate cancer. Michael was born on November 24, 1946, the first child of James E. Foster and Marguerite Hunnicutt Foster, in Norfolk, VA. Music permeated his life from learning to play the French horn in elementary school to being a member of his high school marching band and eventually majoring in music at University of Richmond. He earned a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina (MS) and a Master of Arts in Music History (MA) from the University of Virginia. Having achieved these educational milestones he finally felt he was prepared for his lifelong crusade of bringing music to the masses. Michael accomplished his mission through his career at the University of Delaware where he was music librarian for over thirty years; through his teaching both on the college level and adult continuing education at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; and through his avocation as a radio broadcaster for WVUD. Michael was also a faithful servant of the Delaware musical community volunteering his knowledge and mellifluous voice for narrations and concert notes. His appreciation for beauty went beyond music as he filled his home with beautiful pieces of handcrafted art, antiques and collectibles. Attending craft shows, visiting museums, watching plays and live concerts, and spending time on his beloved “big water” occupied much of his leisure time. Michael is predeceased by his parents and five much loved Boston terriers. He leaves behind, his wife, Arlene Kelso, his brother; John Scott Foster and sister in law Karin Foster; nephews Joshua Foster and Adam Foster; an incredible extended family on his wife’s side; Quincy, an adorable but smelly Boston Terrier; and most likely 5,000 jazz and classical music LP’s and CD’s. The opportunity to gather to remember Michael, tell funny stories, and celebrate a life well lived will be on Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Face masks are required for all in attendance. Service and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to WVUD Radio, 325 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716.

James Michael Foster

November 24, 1946 - April 29, 2021