John Foley Sr. Interview: A Father's Remembrance on The Life and Legacy of Jim Foley

John Foley Sr. discusses the life and legacy of his son, Jim Foley, a journalist who was captured and killed in Syria. John discusses Jim's remarkable courage, compassion, and empathy, particularly during his captivity. He emphasizes Jim's commitment to journalism to give voice to the voiceless and recalls noticing his humanitarian spirit develop from a young age.
Dr. John Foley, the father of 5 children, including conflict photojournalist Jim Foley. John works as an internal medicine specialist in Dover, NH, and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Des Moines University in 1973. Prior to his career in medicine.
From the 2016 Kunhardt Films Documentary “Jim: The James Foley Story”, offers an in-depth look at the life and work of American journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS terrorists in 2014. Friends and family sit down to discuss Foley's life and his time in captivity.
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00:00 Opening
00:11 Young Jim develops his humanitarian spirit
05:16 Jim’s sacrifices
07:17 Jim’s relationship with his brother and Mike Foley
19:39 Jim’s relationship with his father
22:55 Jim as an uncle
24:05 Jim’s perspective on settling down
25:52 Jim’s flaws
26:57 Jim’s strengths during a crisis
31:14 Memorial for Fallen Journalists
34:24 Uplifting stories about Jim during his capture
37:47 Jim’s relationship with his brother Mark Foley
38:50 The family's concern for Jim’s career in conflict journalism
40:11 Mark Foley’s baby, James Michael Foley
40:59 Jim’s relationship with his sister Katie Foley
42:34 The Foley’s and Christmas
43:57 Father and son relationship
45:53 Meeting Katie’s boyfriend
46:56 Siblings learning more about Jim
47:23 Jim pursues conflict journalism
50:23 Jim’s humanitarian journalism
53:05 Jim and post-traumatic stress disorder
55:05 Recounting Jim’s capture in Syria
56:30 Working to rescue Jim
01:04:49 Lack of systemic support for families of hostages
01:08:07 David Bradley and Phil Balboni
01:09:11 Publicizing Jim’s Capture
01:10:23 4th of July rescue attempt
01:12:01 Thoughts on the American policy for ransoms and hostages
01:15:26 James Foley Legacy Foundation
01:17:41 Heroes and Jim’s Legacy
01:19:45 Appreciation for his wife Diane Foley
01:21:15 Responsibility from the media
01:23:06 Hopes and plans for the future
01:24:29 Jim’s Legacy
John Foley, Jim’s Father
Interviewed By: Brian Oakes
Interview Date: May 26, 2015
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