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Students are rallying to help a beloved Southern California music teacher who lost his home in the Eaton Fire.
Jim Foschia, a music teacher at Alexander Hamilton High School, recalled the devastation and shock he felt when he learned his Altadena home had burned down.
“I couldn’t put it together,” Foschia said. “I was sitting on the ground in a fetal position.”
Not only did Foschia lose his home, but he also lost his collection of valuable musical instruments, including a clarinet, saxophone, and Steinway piano.
“This is a huge loss,” he told KTLA’s Rick Chambers. “The instrument was something that centered me and propelled me forward.”
Foschia and his wife had little time to prepare and evacuated their home with only a few valuables as the fire raged through their neighborhood.
Jim Foschia, a music and jazz band teacher at Alexander Hamilton High School, lost his Altadena home in the Eaton fire. (KTLA) Former students reunited on January 16, 2025, and banded together to help Jim Foschia, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Jim Foschia’s Altadena home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (Foschia Family) Jim Foschia’s Altadena home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (Foschia Family) Some of the valuable instruments that Jim Foschia lost when his home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Former students reunited on January 16, 2025, and banded together to help Jim Foschia, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Jim Foschia (far left) is pictured with students and staff. (Foschia Family) Former students reunited on January 16, 2025 and banded together to help Jim Foschia, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Jim Foschia teaches music students at Alexander Hamilton High School. (Foschia Family) Former students reunited on January 16, 2025 and banded together to help Jim Foschia, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Former students reunited on January 16, 2025, and banded together to help Jim Foschia, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA)
Amidst the chaos, Fosquia was able to recover some of his favorite instruments.
“I left home carrying two clarinets, four ukuleles, a change of underwear and a shirt, and whatever clothes I could wear,” he recalled.
During his 14 years as a music teacher, Foscia taught and counseled hundreds of students, many of whom fondly remember the positive impact he had on their lives.
“He means the world to me and so many others,” said former student Izzy Self. “He was a teacher and a mentor, a real leadership force.”
When they learned that he had lost his home in a fire, they banded together to help Fossia and his wife rebuild their lives.
“When you have a male figure like that in your life, it feels like another father,” student Brittney Robinson said. “I can go and talk to him about anything and he won’t judge me.”
“He always had an open door policy, so you could talk to him and he would always understand,” said former student Chris Hockles.
Fossia said she is overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of support.
“I was approached by many alumni,” she said through tears. “It’s life-affirming.”
A GoFundMe page to support Foshia and his wife can be found here.
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