James ''Jim'' B. Foss

Jim Foss, a highly successful civil engineer whose expertise helped develop a number of public works projects for a rapidly growing Harford County as it transitioned from an agricultural to a suburban community, died April 16th from renal failure. The Bel Air resident was 89-years-old.

A native of Bridgeport, Illinois, Jim graduated from the University of Illinois where he earned a degree in civil engineering and a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army after successfully completing the university’s ROTC program. He served his country during the Korean War. In 1953 he acquired his professional engineering certification and became intrigued with public sewage treatment.

Over the years he specialized in remodeling and designing sewage treatment plants in Illinois and later in Maryland when he and his wife of 67 years, the former Barbara Belote, moved to Bel Air where he assumed the vice-president’s position with Frederick Ward Associates to oversee the firm’s engineering operations. He led the firm’s landfill and sewage treatment design efforts in Harford County, Cecil County and the Eastern Shore.

Another of Jim’s achievements was his role in restoring to working condition the Rock Run Grist Mill at the Susquehanna State Park
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“Jim was instrumental in turning the firm into a full engineering company,” said current FWA president, Tory Pierce. “His expertise was highly valued.”

Craig Ward, the founder’s son and past company president, credited Jim with helping expand the firm’s growth and influence as an engineering company. Prior to Jim’s arrival FWA focused on land surveying. Today FWA provides services in the Mid-Atlantic region for architecture, engineering and planning in addition to surveying.

“My father recruited Jim and made him the first big partner in the firm,” said Craig Ward. “Jim was the consummate professional civil engineer particularly when it came to public works projects. The timing of his arrival was absolutely perfect. The early 60’s was a period of great growth in Harford County as we were making the transition from an agricultural community to a more suburban community. And because Jim knew so much about water and sewer we were able to secure a lot of work from the county as it started making important and significant public works decisions. He was hugely respected throughout the county.”

Upon retirement Jim devoted much of his time to his favorite pastime, golf. An enthusiastic golfer, he was a charter member of the Maryland Golf and Country Club built in 1961. Over the years he played many different courses throughout the United States and abroad including Spain, Ireland and Scotland. He considered his rounds on the famous St. Andrews Old Course the highlight of his playing career.

“My father was also very devoted to his grandsons,” said a son, Kevin Foss. “He enjoyed every minute with them, whether it was at the driving range, on the golf course, playing tennis or watching planes take off and land. He didn’t miss very many of their baseball games either when they were kids.”

Jim’s other interests included flying lessons, horseback riding, tennis and water fowl hunting. He was also an avid runner.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by two sons; Kevin Foss of Bel Air and Eric Foss of Baltimore, three grandchildren; Samuel Foss of Bel Air, Marine Sgt. Joseph Foss of San Diego, Calif., and Jennifer Foss of Kingsport, Tenn., and one great-grandson, Wren.

Per Jim’s wishes a private family ceremony will be held to celebrate his life. The family asks that any contributions be made to the Kidney Foundation of Maryland, 1301 York Road, Suite 404, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093.