Neighbors Appreciate ‘Mr. Jim’ Helpful Resident’s Concern Extends To Protecting Manito Park

Jim Foerster South Side

For this good neighbor, one John Hancock on a nomination letter wasn’t enough. The letter nominating Jim Foerster had more than 10 signatures from adults and children in his neck of the woods.

What does he do?

“Mr. Jim,” as they call Foerster, maintains yards when people are on vacation. If a neighbor is raking leaves, he’ll come over and start raking, too.

When someone is feeling down, Foerster, 62, is the first to offer flowers.

He’s the one who volunteers to organize block potlucks. He also shares tales of the many places overseas he has visited during his sales and marketing career.

Foerster’s biggest neighborhood commitment, though, remains Manito Park.

Foerster led a grass-roots effort to prevent the park from becoming a theme-based amusement area.

“It’s just watchdogging to make sure the right things happen for the right reasons,” Foerster says.

His love of Manito manifests itself in far more than just activism.

If anyone wants a companion for a walk through Duncan Garden or the Japanese Garden, they need only come to “Mr. Jim.”

When it comes to praise, though, Foerster sends it right back to those who nominated him.

“It’s a pretty incredible gathering of neighbors,” Foerster says. “We have a unique kind of sense of belonging to this particular area.

“It’s a neat kind of sense of family, because we’re all different but all committed to community.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: These sidebars appeared with the story: Nominating letter for South Side winner We are writing to nominate our neighbor, Jim Foerster, for neighbor of the year. Mr. Jim is constantly doing for others. His quiet dignity and gentle nature earn him the respect of everyone who meets him. It is difficult to put into words all that he does for our neighborhood and community. He has introduced many of us to other cultures where he and his wife, Elaine, have traveled and lived. Even though his own children left the area, he is father, grandfather and friend to us all. To list just a few of the things he does for us: In the winter he shovels our walks. In the summer he will help us mow our lawns and care for our yards when we are on vacation. He comes by and rakes leaves beside us and will help us to weed. Every week he goes up and down the block bringing in garbage cans and recycling bins from the curb. If you need a ride somewhere, he will take you, or if you want to walk in the park, he will accompany you. His beautiful yard provides flowers when you are ill or feeling down, and he is the first to bring cheer on every holiday. He arranges potluck parties and helps to keep us all together. He is deeply involved in our community as well, especially Manito Park. His respect and love of nature makes him a staunch defender of our rights to enjoy a beautiful, unspoiled park. There are many things to say about Mr. Jim, but not nearly enough words to express our gratitude to have him for our neighbor. - Submitted by Jeffry, Cassie and Zach Finer; Stacie Bering; Julie Beckford; Sheilah, Gary and Sam Johnson; Gloria Knox; Janis Stavana; and Ferne and Bob Nearman

South Side nominees These South Side residents were nominated for Good Neighbor of the Year: Joe and Jane Feil Donna and Dave Crum Sed and Felica England Jim Foerster Tom and Inge Jordan Jay and Eleanor Beeler Neil and Marie Doneen Brad and Diane Pittsou Gene Merrithew Bonnie Szuch Winnie Prouty Bob and Vivian Rummer Suzanne Peevy Don Boisen Mary Boisen Pat Wiegele Yvonne Carlson Maggie Hess Sue and Greg Michals