James Orville Foxx
April 3, 1941 – August 15, 2020
James Orville Foxx, age 79, of Clovis, California entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, August 15, 2020. James was born April 3, 1941 in Sayre, Pennsylvania to Vina Belle Beeman and Edward Albert Foxx.
James accepted Christ as his Savior when he was in high school and served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He served at Valley Christian Center and later attended Peoples Church. He always put Christ as the head of his family and prayed that God would use him in his career to show Christ’s love with the kids that came into his program.
In 1965, James married his wife, Julia, and started his choral directing career in Stuttgart, Arkansas. After several years in Stuttgart, James and his family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas where he was the choral director at El Dorado High School for almost 20 years. He also directed the choir and handbells at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. James always said that he would end up in California, and that’s exactly where he went in 1986. During the last 18 years of his career he directed many choirs at Clovis High School, Clovis Adult School, acted as a guest director at numerous other educational sites, and directed handbells. He is known for his superior ratings and honors as a choral director. He was also the President of the ACDA Southwestern and Western Divisions. Mr. Foxx touched thousands of lives through the church and in his career. To know James was to love him, and know he loved you.
James is survived by his beautiful spouse, Julia Elaine Foxx, daughter Elizabeth Adams, daughter Debbie Sanchez (Lewis), daughter Melanie Hemaidan (Omar), son David Foxx (Bethany) and brother Rodney Foxx (Barbara). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren (Max Jr, Betty, Chris, Kamryn, Dylan, Jayden, Mason, Tyler, and Luke) and 7 great grandchildren.
A private family graveside services will be held at Clovis Cemetery District, 305 N. Villa Ave, Clovis, California 93612.
Original obituary: Dignity Memorial, Palm La Paz Funerals & Cremations, Fresno, CA
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Memories
Donald Putman Friend · 01/10/2022
I had him in High School for choir at El Dorado High School. He said I had a natural Bass voice. I was in Choralier's choir my Junior year. Made two choir trips at Arkadelphia. He was a blessing and was missed by the staff and students in El Dorado.
I had him in High School for choir at El Dorado High School. He said I had a natural Bass voice. I was in Choralier's choir my Junior year. Made two choir trips at Arkadelphia. He was a blessing and was missed by the staff and students in El Dorado.
Richard Blackwood 03/25/2021
I had Mr. Foxx as a choir director in junior high and high school at Stuttgart, Arkansas. Many of the lessons learned from him when singing are still with me today. “Keep your eyes on the director.” “Don’t lock your knees when standing on a riser.” There are many others that stayed with me as I sang in college and in church choirs. I would always remember where I learned these things. Great director and great man.
I had Mr. Foxx as a choir director in junior high and high school at Stuttgart, Arkansas. Many of the lessons learned from him when singing are still with me today. “Keep your eyes on the director.” “Don’t lock your knees when standing on a riser.” There are many others that stayed with me as I sang in college and in church choirs. I would always remember where I learned these things. Great director and great man.
Jayden Foxx 10/28/2020
I remember when our grandma became bed ridden, that he never left her side. He was always there for her in each step of the way, until the very end.
I remember when our grandma became bed ridden, that he never left her side. He was always there for her in each step of the way, until the very end.
Anna Hamre 08/25/2020
Rest In Peace, dear Jim. You have been a great friend and colleague and a devoted teacher and servant. I cannot count the number of years you helped me when I was the Director of Choral Activities at Fresno State. I will always carry your memory in my heart. Anna Hamre
Rest In Peace, dear Jim. You have been a great friend and colleague and a devoted teacher and servant. I cannot count the number of years you helped me when I was the Director of Choral Activities at Fresno State. I will always carry your memory in my heart. Anna Hamre
Jerry Carlson 08/24/2020
I am going to miss my dear brother Jim, but look forward to seeing him in glory! I first met Jim and Julie and all the kids on their first day at Valley Christian Center. I invited Jim and David to the men’s breakfast the following Saturday and we sat together. Since then Jim and Julie have been our friends and we have had fun experiences together. Jim and Julie have been with us in the desert for Thanksgiving at the Valley Christian Center dirtbike riders get away. They were with us at Sam Simeon state beach when a group of us were camping. Of course they were in a hotel ha ha Ha. Those are a few examples of our special memories besides being in their home. It was an honor to meet Jim for lunch with the “Jim Team“ over the last couple years, consisting of Al Edwards, Dale Knepper, Forrest Shepherd and Paul Lantz. You can try to write a letter to Jim and be sure to send it to the Pearly Gates because his new home is out of this world ! However his life and legacy are still with us! I love you brother!
I am going to miss my dear brother Jim, but look forward to seeing him in glory! I first met Jim and Julie and all the kids on their first day at Valley Christian Center. I invited Jim and David to the men’s breakfast the following Saturday and we sat together. Since then Jim and Julie have been our friends and we have had fun experiences together. Jim and Julie have been with us in the desert for Thanksgiving at the Valley Christian Center dirtbike riders get away. They were with us at Sam Simeon state beach when a group of us were camping. Of course they were in a hotel ha ha Ha. Those are a few examples of our special memories besides being in their home. It was an honor to meet Jim for lunch with the “Jim Team“ over the last couple years, consisting of Al Edwards, Dale Knepper, Forrest Shepherd and Paul Lantz. You can try to write a letter to Jim and be sure to send it to the Pearly Gates because his new home is out of this world ! However his life and legacy are still with us! I love you brother!
Marc Bower 08/24/2020
Mr. Foxx was my concert choir teacher at CHS from 1989 to 1993. I had the privilege of knowing Melanie and David and calling them friends. My fondest memories were of the trips he would arrange for us. There was always a competition or showcase and then there was the fun reward. My favorite trip was to Walt Disney World in 1990. There were choirs from all over the country and the competition was tough. I remember before we were about to perform Mr Foxx gathered the entire choir and said he may get into trouble for this but he wanted to pray over the choir. We all held hands and he prayed for us. We performed and won every category we were entered in. We ended up sweeping the whole competition. It was unbelievable. Another time we were performing our winter concert program and he wasn't pleased with the way we singing a particular song. He stopped us mid performance and said something to the effect that he would cancel the entire concert if we weren't going to do it right. The whole choir was mortified. I had never seen him that upset before. No one in the audience would have any idea we weren't singing it right, but he knew. He wasn't trying to embarrass us, he just wanted us to perform at the level he knew we were capable of. He demanded perfection from us and expected nothing less in return. I can't remember many of my teachers from high school but I'll never forget Mr. Foxx. My deepest condolences to the entire family and everyone whose life he enhanced. Until we meet again!
Mr. Foxx was my concert choir teacher at CHS from 1989 to 1993. I had the privilege of knowing Melanie and David and calling them friends. My fondest memories were of the trips he would arrange for us. There was always a competition or showcase and then there was the fun reward. My favorite trip was to Walt Disney World in 1990. There were choirs from all over the country and the competition was tough. I remember before we were about to perform Mr Foxx gathered the entire choir and said he may get into trouble for this but he wanted to pray over the choir. We all held hands and he prayed for us. We performed and won every category we were entered in. We ended up sweeping the whole competition. It was unbelievable. Another time we were performing our winter concert program and he wasn't pleased with the way we singing a particular song. He stopped us mid performance and said something to the effect that he would cancel the entire concert if we weren't going to do it right. The whole choir was mortified. I had never seen him that upset before. No one in the audience would have any idea we weren't singing it right, but he knew. He wasn't trying to embarrass us, he just wanted us to perform at the level he knew we were capable of. He demanded perfection from us and expected nothing less in return. I can't remember many of my teachers from high school but I'll never forget Mr. Foxx. My deepest condolences to the entire family and everyone whose life he enhanced. Until we meet again!
Roger Dobbins 08/24/2020
I remember Jim from Searcy, Arkansas, where I believe he was the music director at First United Methodist Church. He was a musically talented man who married my cousin. I fondly recall Christmas dinners with both of them. He certainly will be missed by all.
I remember Jim from Searcy, Arkansas, where I believe he was the music director at First United Methodist Church. He was a musically talented man who married my cousin. I fondly recall Christmas dinners with both of them. He certainly will be missed by all.
Lori George 08/23/2020A friend shared with me last night the devastating news of Mr. Foxx’s passing. I was inconsolable for quite some time and I can’t even begin to imagine what his family is going through. I moved out of state with my family when my sophomore year at Clovis High School was done. It was gut wrenching for me to have no other choice. Mr. Foxx and the choirs I was a part of were my second family. I kept in touch on and off throughout the years. His instruction birthed a singing voice from within that lead to many awards as well as being one of the ones in the choirs selected to sing/compete in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center. With this post, you’ll see a photo I found somewhere online years ago, from spring 1993 at the Kennedy Center. I can see my young sophomore self in the middle. The solid foundation Mr. Foxx established within me lead to performing in NYC at Carnegie Hall, winning an actual silver medal for a solo performance, performing BGVs on projects released on major record labels, and so much more. Mr. Foxx wasn’t just a fantastic choir director, but also a positive example of a husband, father, and a Believer. He was indeed our Mr. Holland and we were his opus.
Elizabeth Adams 08/23/2020
My Dad left an impact on every person he met, even strangers (who didn’t stay strangers very long because he was just so friendly). The love my Dad spread on this Earth continues to grow and will live on, and that is the ultimate measure of any human being. I love you, Dad.
My Dad left an impact on every person he met, even strangers (who didn’t stay strangers very long because he was just so friendly). The love my Dad spread on this Earth continues to grow and will live on, and that is the ultimate measure of any human being. I love you, Dad.
Perry & Ree Coy 08/22/2020
Mr. Foxx was our daughter Barbara Coy-Hogan's (1993) choir director at Clovis High School. Barbara sang and traveled with the choir and honor choir, having many wonderful memories and friendships. Her choir 'gang' was her anchor in high school and we are very thankful to Mr. Foxx on so many levels! He inspired her love of music and his dedication to his students inspired her to do her best academically both in high school and college. I once asked him how he managed to avoid getting mired in all the hormonal ups and downs of high schoolers! He replied "I just don't get involved!" meaning he knew his role as teacher was the most important role he had!! Our lives were made richer by the impact he had on our daughter and both of us!! He was a great man and wonderful Christian!! Our condolences and blessings to all his family! Perry & Ree Coy
Mr. Foxx was our daughter Barbara Coy-Hogan's (1993) choir director at Clovis High School. Barbara sang and traveled with the choir and honor choir, having many wonderful memories and friendships. Her choir 'gang' was her anchor in high school and we are very thankful to Mr. Foxx on so many levels! He inspired her love of music and his dedication to his students inspired her to do her best academically both in high school and college. I once asked him how he managed to avoid getting mired in all the hormonal ups and downs of high schoolers! He replied "I just don't get involved!" meaning he knew his role as teacher was the most important role he had!! Our lives were made richer by the impact he had on our daughter and both of us!! He was a great man and wonderful Christian!! Our condolences and blessings to all his family! Perry & Ree Coy
Mei Van Dusen (formerly Xiong) 08/22/2020Choir was a big part of my high school years. It gave me a sense of belonging and Mr. Foxx was family in that sense. He really looked after and believed in his students. He gave me so many new opportunities during those years. I also had handbells with him and it was a wonderful experience. I never would have known I could choreograph show choir or direct our Christmas caroling, but Mr. Foxx did. I have been blessed to know him and am better for it.
Kevin Shepherd 08/21/2020
Mr Foxx was my choir teacher at Clovis High from 1994 to 1997. My friends and I were seniors and we went to Anaheim that year on a choir trip. When we first got to Anaheim, Mr. Foxx pulled me and my friends aside from the group for a little warning lecture. We were known for sneaking out of our rooms, and he wanted to make sure that there was none of that going to happen. With us being Christian young men, and Seniors, he expected us to be leaders, and to set an example. We told him that we understood and there would be no messing around.......Well, teenage boys are dumb and so were we, we snuck out of our hotel room, and were all hanging together in one room. Mr Foxx knocked on the door in the middle of the night and we were BUSTED. The next day, we were to go to Disneyland. When the bus pulled up to Disneyland, he kept us guys on the bus to talk. I remember him crying as he spoke to us, and handed down punishment. He told us how much he cared about us and that he was up all night, literally sick to his stomach at how disappointed he was in us. When we got into the park, he put us on a bench at the main roundabout where we sat for probably 12 hours while everyone else enjoyed Disneyland. Rumor has it, that he put up a picture of the bench in the choir room after that year as a warning to other students. Myself and my friends knew how much he cared about us, and he treated us like his own children and we looked at him like a father. The world truly lost a great man.
Mr Foxx was my choir teacher at Clovis High from 1994 to 1997. My friends and I were seniors and we went to Anaheim that year on a choir trip. When we first got to Anaheim, Mr. Foxx pulled me and my friends aside from the group for a little warning lecture. We were known for sneaking out of our rooms, and he wanted to make sure that there was none of that going to happen. With us being Christian young men, and Seniors, he expected us to be leaders, and to set an example. We told him that we understood and there would be no messing around.......Well, teenage boys are dumb and so were we, we snuck out of our hotel room, and were all hanging together in one room. Mr Foxx knocked on the door in the middle of the night and we were BUSTED. The next day, we were to go to Disneyland. When the bus pulled up to Disneyland, he kept us guys on the bus to talk. I remember him crying as he spoke to us, and handed down punishment. He told us how much he cared about us and that he was up all night, literally sick to his stomach at how disappointed he was in us. When we got into the park, he put us on a bench at the main roundabout where we sat for probably 12 hours while everyone else enjoyed Disneyland. Rumor has it, that he put up a picture of the bench in the choir room after that year as a warning to other students. Myself and my friends knew how much he cared about us, and he treated us like his own children and we looked at him like a father. The world truly lost a great man.
David Foxx 08/15/2025
Kevin, not only did he hang that picture of the bench in the choir room but he later hung it in his office at home. He had great memories of his choir students.
Kevin, not only did he hang that picture of the bench in the choir room but he later hung it in his office at home. He had great memories of his choir students.
Michael Hall 08/21/2020
Mr. Foxx was my choir teacher for all 4 years of high school (1996-2000) and I couldn’t fully express how impactful he was to my life. He always cared for all of his kids, but a few us really needed that care during those trying years, and he was always there to be the sounding board I needed. He taught with love, care, humor and ferocity every day. Along with my grandfather, he is the reason that I am the man I am today.
Mr. Foxx was my choir teacher for all 4 years of high school (1996-2000) and I couldn’t fully express how impactful he was to my life. He always cared for all of his kids, but a few us really needed that care during those trying years, and he was always there to be the sounding board I needed. He taught with love, care, humor and ferocity every day. Along with my grandfather, he is the reason that I am the man I am today.
Ron and Shirley Titus 08/21/2020
Jim and Julie were great friends of ours. We were in each of our homes for dinner many times. Jim was an amazing and kind and gifted man. Jim gave great advice to our granddaughter when she started teaching choir. Even though she lives in Texas she learned to appreciate him. We send love and prayers to the family as you live a new normal. Praying Peace and Comfort to you all.
Jim and Julie were great friends of ours. We were in each of our homes for dinner many times. Jim was an amazing and kind and gifted man. Jim gave great advice to our granddaughter when she started teaching choir. Even though she lives in Texas she learned to appreciate him. We send love and prayers to the family as you live a new normal. Praying Peace and Comfort to you all.
Carla Peace 08/21/2020
Elizabeth, your dad was a great man. You and your family were so blessed to have had him as a husband, father and friend. He had so many titles but the most important one He was a follower of Christ. Love you all God bless
Elizabeth, your dad was a great man. You and your family were so blessed to have had him as a husband, father and friend. He had so many titles but the most important one He was a follower of Christ. Love you all God bless
BECKY RUTHERFORD MEIER 08/20/2020
Mr. Foxx was my choir director at Stuttgart High. (Stuttgart, AR) He was very patient with us. We learned a lot from him. Sending prayers for all the family.
Mr. Foxx was my choir director at Stuttgart High. (Stuttgart, AR) He was very patient with us. We learned a lot from him. Sending prayers for all the family.
Donna Damon Mcghee 08/20/2020
Remember his choirs starting in 1965- 1969. Stuttgart Arkansas. We won state titles under his direction. Enjoyed those years. Fond memories.
Remember his choirs starting in 1965- 1969. Stuttgart Arkansas. We won state titles under his direction. Enjoyed those years. Fond memories.
Donald Putman 08/19/2020
I had Mr. Foxx in High School choir. My Sophomore year I was in his Basic chorus class. We had fun singing different styles of songs like Do You Know The Way To San Jose to Three Blind Mice. My Junior year, I had him for Choralier's. Again we had fun. I won't forget the pep rally of 1979, when we sang Tonight from Westside Story. The Oratorio Singer's were combined together with us. Mr. Foxx also was the Faculty Advisor for Brothers And Sisters In Christ BASIC. He will be missed by the student body like us. May he rest in peace. I thank him for his years of service in El Dorado, Arkansas
I had Mr. Foxx in High School choir. My Sophomore year I was in his Basic chorus class. We had fun singing different styles of songs like Do You Know The Way To San Jose to Three Blind Mice. My Junior year, I had him for Choralier's. Again we had fun. I won't forget the pep rally of 1979, when we sang Tonight from Westside Story. The Oratorio Singer's were combined together with us. Mr. Foxx also was the Faculty Advisor for Brothers And Sisters In Christ BASIC. He will be missed by the student body like us. May he rest in peace. I thank him for his years of service in El Dorado, Arkansas
Memories archived verbatim from the source page's "All Memories" tab, August 2020–2025.
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