John Foulks

February 24, 2021

Gamma 1960

John “Jack” Foulks, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains.

Born and raised in Rahway, he was a longtime resident of Scotch Plains. Jack was a veteran of the US Army, having been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

A graduate of Rahway High School, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from Newark State College (Kean University) and a Master’s Degree in Education from Rutgers University.

He was a life-long educator and loved being in the classroom. His entire 41-year career was spent in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District. He began teaching math at Park Junior High School in 1962. He later served as Vice Principal at Park. In September of 1976, he became Principal of Terrill Middle School, a position he held until his retirement in 2003.

Jack was a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Educators, Union County Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, National Middle Schools Association, National Congress of Parents & Teachers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, where he served as President (1998-1999). Jack was a presenter at many education workshops and conventions. He also served the Board of Education of the City of New York as an Assessor. Jack was the recipient of the 1991 NJPSA Golden Lamp Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership.

Jack served as chairman of the American Cancer Society (NJ) annual Cancer Crusade, as a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee of Union County, on the Rahway Redevelopment Association, and with the Family Division of the Union County Superior Court.

Jack was a longtime communicant at Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church in Scotch Plains. He chaired the Church Directory Committee, was the Archdiocese of Newark liaison for “Protecting God’s Children,” and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Jack served as lector, altar server and Eucharistic minister.

Jack will be remembered for his love of family, jigsaw puzzles, reading, gardening, travelling, and Rutgers sports. He enjoyed tailgating with friends prior to each Rutgers football game, and even spent one Christmas Day driving to Detroit to cheer for Rutgers in a bowl game. His absolute favorite was always the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team. He cheered for them from his season seat at the RAC, and travelled to as many of their tournament and away locations as possible, such as California, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Bimini and many more.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy, his proud children Nancy Foulks and Jeffrey Foulks (Jan), his loving grandchildren Melissa Foulks and Christopher Foulks, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Jack was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Foulks Waldheim (William).

Arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Jack’s memory, to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1571 Martine Ave. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 (https://ihmparish.net/).

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