James Foley was born on October 18, 1973, in Evanston, Illinois, the first of five children to Diane and John Foley. He grew up in a loving and supportive household, where his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, compassion, and dedication.
Foley pursued his education at Marquette University, where he obtained a degree before continuing on to the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It was during his time in these institutions that his passion for writing and journalism began to blossom.
After completing his education, Foley ventured into journalism, working as a writer for Middle Eastern newspapers Stars and Stripes and GlobalPost. He had a keen interest in reporting on conflict zones, and his fearless approach to his work earned him recognition in the field.
Tragically, Foley's life was cut short when he was kidnapped and brutally murdered by the Islamic paramilitary group ISIS in August 2014. His death sent shockwaves through the journalism community, as he was a dedicated and talented journalist who sought to shed light on the realities of war and conflict.
In honor of his memory, Marquette University established The James Foley Scholarship in the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication. This scholarship serves to support aspiring journalists who share Foley's passion for reporting on global issues and making a difference through their work.
James Foley's legacy lives on through the work of journalists around the world who continue to risk their lives to report on the truth. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to shining a light on injustice will never be forgotten.
James Foley's story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face in their pursuit of truth and justice. His courage and passion for his work continue to inspire and influence those who follow in his footsteps.
His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues, as they remember him not only for his talent as a journalist but also for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.