Sergeant Major James Foster was born on the 20th of October 1979 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on the 22nd of February 2000 and attended Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina. In June 2000, Private Foster reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for the Basic Artillery Cannon Crewman Course. Upon graduation, he received the MOS 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer. In August of 2000, Private First Class Foster reported to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion 11th Marines. In Oct 2001, Lance Corporal Foster was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In Nov 2003 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In July of 2004, Sergeant Foster reported to WFTBN, Camp Pendleton, California where he served line SNCOIC and Primary Marksmanship Instructor.  In July of 2006, Sergeant Foster Reported to Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 11th Marines.  Sergeant Foster was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in November 2007.  In Oct 2009, Staff Sergeant Foster received orders to Drill Instructor School, Class 1-10 Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.  Upon graduation, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion Company L, where he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In Jan 2012, he was transferred to Instructor Staff, Drill Instructor School MCRD San Diego. 

In December 2012, Staff Sergeant Foster reported to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines where he served as Battery Gunnery Sergeant.  He was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in August 2013.  Gunnery Sergeant Foster also served in Charlie Battery as Battery Gunnery Sergeant and HQ Battery as Battery First Sergeant.  In July of 2015, Gunnery Sergeant Foster was transferred to Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion 11th Marines where he served as Battery Gunnery Sergeant. In January of 2017, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and transferred 2d Battalion 7th Marines, Weapons Company, where he assumed duties as Weapons Company First Sergeant.  In June of 2019 First Sergeant was transferred to The Basic School where he assumed duties as First Sergeant for Company E, class 5-19, and was later transferred to Company I, class 1-20. Sergeant Major Foster was promoted to his current rank in April of 2021. In April of 2021, he assumed duties as Battalion Sergeant Major for Combat Instructor Battalion, The Basic School.  Sergeant Major Foster currently serves as Squadron Sergeant Major for MWSS 374(-).

Sergeant Major Foster personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in lieu of third award, and Combat Action Ribbon.