Obituary of Jes Michael Foster

Jes Michael Foster sadly passed away on December 20, 2023, in San Francisco, California. He was fifty years old. He was born in Eugene, Oregon to parents Molly Lynn McClendon and Jimmy Michael Foster. Just three weeks after his birth, he relocated with his family to his mother's hometown of San Diego, California. There he grew up surrounded by a close-knit network of cousins, family members, and friends.

From an early age, Jes displayed an adventurous spirit and remarkable intelligence. He found joy in activities such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and desert camping with ATVs and dune buggies; however, throughout his life, it was surfing that held a special place in his heart. During his teenage years, Jes worked at Nursery Land on Morena Blvd alongside Grandma Dolly and Aunt Mary while also spending much of his free time surfing the Pacific Ocean from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Cruz. He also visited his father, brothers, and family in Oregon where they hunted, snowboarded, and enjoyed the outdoors.

Eventually moving to Kona Hawaii with his former wife, Krislyn, Jes explored various roles within the Big Island. He enrolled at the University of Hawaii in Hilo where he studied psychology and obtained his bachelor's degree. Jes worked at renowned restaurants, tutored teenagers through high school, and ultimately found his favorite job: becoming a beloved Dolphin Trainer at Dolphin Quest.

Later transitioning into sales proved successful for him as he excelled within both the real estate industry and the solar energy sector. During his time on the Big Island, his son Jacob was born. Jacob brought immense pride and joy into Jes' life. Together they enjoyed biking, surfing, and hiking across the Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, and the mainland, with their beloved boxer dogs, Lily and Cleo.

Returning to the mainland in 2014, Jes settled in the Bay Area. As part owner and holding the position of Creative Director for family entertainment projects, Jes played a key role in the development of one of the largest family fun centers on the west coast, Lost World Adventures. His creativity led to the establishment of four other locations around the U.S.

Jes is survived by his teenage son, Jacob, his mother, Molly, and his father, Jimmy, along with siblings Kelly, Bobbie, Justin and Kacy & his nephews and nieces: Jack, Emry, Tesslyn, & Elyssa.

Jes' death leaves a void that will be deeply felt. In his memory, a paddle-out ceremony will be held this Spring (2024) in San Diego.