James "Jim" Freeman

James Ray (Jim) Freeman was born May 14, 1939, in a farmhouse near Goldfield, Iowa. His arrival brought the family number to four, joining his father (Newton William Freeman, Jr.), mother (Fern Lucille Richardson Freeman), and brother Dick (Richard Willis Freeman). His sister (Claudia Jean Freeman Ross) joined the family 12 years later.

Jim said that in such a small town kids were known by everyone and were expected to do everything. He could roam the streets and nearby woods and river in supposed safety (although he did confess to some non-adult-approved adventures). From about sixth grade on, he carried (and later learned to play) a trumpet in the marching band, sang in the chorus, performed in operettas, played basketball and baseball, was senior class president, and was active in Boy Scouts.

His first attempt at college (Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa) was thwarted by a virulent flu epidemic. He had wanted to become a forest ranger, but ended up enlisting in the U.S Army, where he became a member of the 82nd Airborne. His second attempt at college (Luther College, Decorah, Iowa) was thwarted by a letter from Uncle Sam saying, "I want you back-teaching chemical, biological and radiological warfare at Fort Lewis, Washington.” His third attempt was finally successful, and he completed a BA in history with a minor in philosophy at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

It was at Morningside that he decided against going to a scheduled talent show, then changed his mind and went. He said he saw a new girl there-a green-eyed redhead from Montana, and he started having some thoughts about her. He watched, observed, and devised a plan. He said, "She has been burned somewhere along the line, and she will run from any guy who comes on too soon, but she will not run from a good friend-so I will become her good friend." Over a year later, he decided she'd be graduating and moving on soon, so he asked her on a date. On Friday, February 13, they went to the movie, "How to Murder Your Wife." For about six weeks, they went places together as friends. Ten months after that first date, they were married. Their first child, Gregory James Freeman, was born a year and a half later.

Then terms of the GI bill were changed, and having decided a liberal arts degree was not giving him enough money to support a family, Jim used the GI bill to complete a degree in Chemical Engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.

Greg was six years old when they adopted four-year-old Kim Sae Yoon (now Timothy Ray Freeman), from Seoul, South Korea. Eight-and-a-half months later, Rebekah Jean Freeman (Foster) was born, and when she was four years old, they adopted 22-month-old Kang Myung Hee (now Jennifer Anne Freeman Rebours) from Kang Nung, South Korea. Then they decided their "quiver was full."

Jim's work as chemical engineer/manager moved them around, and the family lived in eight states, all west of the Mississippi.

Jim supported his wife and children in their various musical pursuits and other activities, but although he participated in various church choirs and community choruses, he remarked, "They keep wanting me to hit the right notes."

He served in several positions in churches they attended, including head of personnel committee and missions committee. He became a Bethel Bible course instructor and was a Stephen Minister.

When son Greg invited Jim to join him in competitive shooting, he found an activity he thoroughly enjoyed.

His friendship with that gal from Montana served them well through 59 years of marriage. Love, respect, and humor have always been a part of their life together.

As their four kids (parents to Jim & Sheryl's 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild) gathered from four states to share a final "good-bye" with their dad, they agreed, "Our parents raised some pretty good kids. We all turned out pretty okay."

If you knew this man, it would be no surprise that among his last words to his wife were these: "I love you a terrific amount," to which she honestly replied, "I have never doubted that." Then he said, "Remember-every gun is loaded."

His faith was strong, and in his final days he shared his faith-based "Death and Dying Talk" with his children and his grandchildren. As the ravages of cancer took his life, he was resolute in his desire to go be with God, and the family was united in wishing this fine man, "Godspeed-we'll catch up with you on the other side."

1. A memorial has been established with:
2. Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
3. 313 S Market
4. Wichita, KS 67202