About Jim Foster
Jim Foster is a Dallas-born storyteller, historian, and author whose work captures the spirit of Texas and the resilience of the human journey. He offers a unique blend of storytelling that highlights the culture and history of Dallas, inviting readers to connect deeply with both personal and communal narratives.
His photography-rich book Dallas Texas Through the Years introduces readers to a visual journey through Dallas history, capturing moments and landmarks that shaped the city. His memoir, From the Outhouse to the Courthouse, reveals an extraordinary path from poverty to purpose and shares powerful stories that had never been told until now.
A lifelong observer of people, places, and history, Jim’s writing blends authenticity, humor, and reflection, giving readers a front-row seat to the moments that shaped a life and a city.
When he’s not writing or researching historical archives, Jim enjoys speaking at local events, connecting with readers, and continuing to document the stories of Texas.
Biography
2006-2011
Dallas County Judge
He was elected County Judge in November 2006 and honored that the late Judge Harold "Barefoot" Sanders administered the oath of office on January 1, 2007. He served until January 1, 2011 and currently spends the majority of his time researching and writing about Dallas County history.
Childhood & Education
Wylie High School,
Collin County
The farming community of Jim’s childhood had no high school. As a result, he attended Wylie High School in Collin County, Texas. His interest in local history materialized during this time and has continued to develop.
1878
Our Journey
Jim Foster, a fifth-generation native of Dallas County, Texas was born during World War II, just as the nation was emerging from the Great Depression He grew up in a farming community settled by his paternal great-grandparents in 1878.
Vietnam Era
U.S. Army Veteran & Plant Manager
He is a U. S. Army veteran, having proudly served during the Vietnam era. He then dedicated the next ten years of his life as a plant manager for Johnson & Johnson prior to forming an alarm company with hundreds of dedicated customers. It was during this time that he began studies in Criminal Justice at Dallas Baptist University.
