Who Is James Foley (journalist)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
James Foley was born on October 18, 1973. Tragically, he lost his life on August 19, 2014, while covering the Syrian Civil War, but his story continues to inspire journalists around the world. Foley graduated from Marquette University in 1996 with a degree in history and subsequently earned a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He was known for his dedication to reporting in conflict zones, showcasing the struggles faced by those in war-torn regions.
| Occupation | Photographers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1973 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Syria |
Popularity
James Foley (journalist)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details regarding his height and weight were never widely reported, he was known to carry a vigorous spirit reflective of his adventurous lifestyle as a foreign correspondent. Details like these, however, fade in comparison to the remarkable courage he displayed in his work.
The video of Foley being beheaded was shot at an unknown desert location, and media sources gave the name Jihadi John to the man (later discovered to be Mohammed Emwazi) who made the threats and spoke with a "Multicultural London English" accent.
The video was produced and distributed by Al-Furqan Media Foundation, a media outlet of ISIL and part of its propaganda arm, the Al-Itisam Establishment for Media Production, which targeted Western and non-Arabic speaking audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Foley was born into a close-knit family. He was the son of John and Diane Foley and grew up with five siblings. At the time of his passing, there were no public records or announcements regarding a romantic partner. His family and friends remember him not just as a journalist, but as a loving brother and son whose impact was felt deeply by those around him.
On August 12, 2014, ISIS sent Foley's parents an email saying that U.S. government—unlike other governments—had refused to pay ransoms or negotiate prisoner exchanges, and saying that they would kill Foley. The email's authors said they had left the U.S. alone since its "disgraceful defeat in Iraq," but would "avenge" the U.S.
bombings, initially with the death of Foley. John Foley, the father of James, said he did not realize how "brutal" his captors were. Even after receiving the email, he held out hope that his son's release could still be negotiated. The family had reportedly been preparing to break U.S. law by offering to pay a ransom for his release.
Due to his nationality, Foley's captors subjected him to regular torture and mock executions during his captivity.
Net Worth and Salary
James Foley’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1 million. As a dedicated journalist working in challenging environments, his earnings primarily came from his journalism roles and contributions to various media outlets. Given the nature of his work, specifics regarding salary were often not disclosed, but it is known that foreign correspondents tend to earn varying incomes depending on their assignments and the media outlets they represent.
Career, Business and Investments
Foley began his career with a focus on social justice issues and later transitioned to covering wars and conflicts. He worked with major media organizations, including GlobalPost, where he gained significant recognition for his reports from Afghanistan and Libya. His commitment to shedding light on human rights abuses and the experiences of ordinary people impacted by violence played a significant role in his career. While he did not pursue business ventures beyond journalism, his work has had an enduring influence on media ethics and reporting in conflict zones.
Foley began his career as a teacher in Arizona for Teach For America. In 1999, Foley decided to pursue his MFA in creative writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Upon completion of his MFA in 2003, Foley returned to Phoenix for one year before relocating to Chicago in the summer of 2004 and taking a job teaching writing to young felons at the Cook County Boot Camp. In 2007, Foley enrolled in Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
Social Network
In terms of social media presence, James Foley's accounts were not as prominently active as those of many contemporary journalists, primarily due to his focus on on-ground reporting. However, the legacy of his work has continued to resonate online, with many journalism organizations and memorial pages dedicated to advocating for press freedom and honoring the sacrifices journalists make for the truth.
Before becoming a journalist, Foley was an instructor for Teach For America. By spring 2008, in Iraq, he became an embedded journalist with an Indiana National Guard unit, writing a story for In These Times about condolence payments paid to Iraqis. In 2008, he became an embedded journalist with USAID-funded development projects in Iraq.
He was an embedded journalist with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and in January of 2011 he began writing for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes from his post there. Later in 2011 he reported for GlobalPost in Libya. There, he was captured by Gaddafi loyalist forces and held for 44 days.
The next year, Foley was captured in Syria while he was working for Agence France-Presse and GlobalPost.
Education
Foley's education began with a Bachelor's degree from Marquette University. He then pursued a Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. His strong academic background provided a solid foundation for his rigorous reporting and commitment to ethical journalism, principles that he adhered to throughout his career.
He grew up in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where he attended Kingswood Regional High School. He was raised as a Catholic.
In 1996, he graduated from Marquette University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2002, and a Master of Science from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in 2008.
