Dear Friends of Jim,
We thank God for the gift of James for 40 wonderful years. He brought our family deep joy, laughter, and loving memories for a lifetime.
We want to share our deepest appreciation for the worldwide outpouring of prayers, love, and solidarity in these difficult days. Jim’s spirit becomes stronger than ever for us through your embrace. The memories you have shared have awakened in us the realization, not only that he was a dedicated journalist and teacher, but that he embodied the very concept of humanitarianism. You have helped us to see Jim as a man who gave his life for others. We are truly in awe of the person he became.
Jim’s life challenges us all to love and forgive one another, and to make this world a better place. His bold commitment to bearing witness of the suffering in conflict zones and his extraordinary ability to befriend others drives us to somehow find a way to keep his memory alive.
Many of you have asked us what you can do to help. Our urgent need is to help carry Jim’s indomitable spirit forward. We ask that, in lieu of flowers or food, you consider making a PayPal donation (see below). Our intention is to form a fund with your contributions in order to further Jim’s life legacy that embodies his incredible empathy, humanity, and courage.
Let us remember Jim with gratitude and use our grief to bond us together in his memory. We must not allow his death to be in vain. Let’s harness his compassionate spirit to continue his concern for the suffering and disadvantaged.
With love and deep gratitude,
The Foley family
All letters Jim wrote to his family during his captivity were confiscated by the jailers. So, Jim devised a better approach this last June: he asked a fellow hostage about to be released to commit a letter to memory. Very soon after his release, this hostage called Diane and dictated what follows:
“Dear Family and Friends,
I remember going to the Mall with Dad, a very long bike ride with Mom. I remember so many great family times that take me away from this prison. Dreams of family and friends take me away and happiness fills my heart.
I know you are thinking of me and praying for me. And I am so thankful. I feel you all especially when I pray. I pray for you to stay strong and to believe. I really feel I can touch you even in this darkness when I pray.
Eighteen of us have been held together in one cell, which has helped me. We have had each other to have endless long conversations about movies, trivia, sports. We have played games made up of scraps found in our cell…we have found ways to play checkers, Chess, and Risk… and have had tournaments of competition, spending some days preparing strategies for the next day’s game or lecture. The games and teaching each other have helped the time pass. They have been a huge help. We repeat stories and laugh to break the tension.
I have had weak and strong days. We are so grateful when anyone is freed; but of course, yearn for our own freedom. We try to encourage each other and share strength. We are being fed better now and daily. We have tea, occasional coffee. I have regained most of my weight lost last year.
I think a lot about my brothers and sister. I remember playing Werewolf in the dark with Michael and so many other adventures. I think of chasing Mattie and T around the kitchen counter. It makes me happy to think of them. If there is any money left in my bank account, I want it to go to Michael and Matthew. I am so proud of you, Michael and thankful to you for happy childhood memories and to you and Kristie for happy adult ones.
And big John, how I enjoyed visiting you and Cress in Germany. Thank you for welcoming me. I think a lot about RoRo and try to imagine what Jack is like. I hope he has RoRo’s personality!
And Mark… so proud of you too Bro. I think of you on the West coast and hope you are doing some snowboarding and camping, I especially remember us going to the Comedy Club in Boston together and our big hug after. The special moments keep me hopeful.
Katie, so very proud of you. You are the strongest and best of us all!! I think of you working so hard, helping people as a nurse. I am so glad we texted just before I was captured. I pray I can come to your wedding…. now I am sounding like Grammy!!
Grammy, please take your medicine, take walks and keep dancing. I plan to take you out to Margarita’s when I get home. Stay strong because I am going to need your help to reclaim my life.
Jim”
