Jim W. Freeman, Sr
March 13, 1927 - September 26, 2016
James "Jim" W. Freeman, Sr. died Monday, September 26, 2016 peacefully at home with his family.
He was born on March 13, 1927, the only son, to Lell LeFever Freeman and Wick C. Freeman.
Born and raised in Guthrie, Jim attended Guthrie High School and then enlisted and served in the US Army during World War II.
Upon returning to the states, he married Nell Irene Birch Freeman in 1950.
When beginning his career in heavy equipment operation, Jim, while working for Sooner Dozer Service, was part of the crew tasked with the construction of the "original" I-35.
Jim served as owner and operator of Freeman Construction, working with his sons. He retired in 1988.
Many of his happiest memories include working on large construction projects with his neighbors and friends in the heavy construction business moving earth to constructing farm ponds, dams, new building sites, roads and many oilfield projects.
Together, Jim and Nell ran the business, the farm and raised 3 children, Dudley, Susan, and Jim, Jr.
Favorite pastimes with family and friends included hunting and fishing, watching grandsons rope and rodeo and drinking coffee with friends early in the morning. In later years, Jim provided "doggie daycare" for his friend and companion, Bryant.
Jim was a lifetime member of VFW Post 4578, a 32nd Degree Mason and a longtime member of the First United Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and a deacon.
Jim is survived by son, Dudley and wife (Colleen) of Guthrie, Susan Redding and husband (Chris) of Rockville, MD, Jim Freeman, Jr. and wife (JoEda) of Guthrie, grandson, Patrick Freeman and wife (Melissa) of Edmond, grandson, Michael Freeman and wife (Natalie) of Guthrie and granddaughter, Clara Gregory of Wichita Falls, TX, great -granddaughter, Bailey Freeman, great-grandson, Carson Freeman and great-granddaughter, Kyla Freeman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nell Birch Freeman and a daughter, Tina Beth Freeman.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North First Street, Guthrie, from 3:00 PM to 8 PM
Services will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church, 102 East Noble Avenue, on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Chaplain Gene Owen officiating. Interment will be held following the service at Summit View Cemetery, 1808 North Pine Street, Guthrie, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Honorary Pallbearers are Maxine and Wayne Bennett, Bertha and Gene Harraman, Esther and Ferdie Waner, Shirley and Norman Woods, Robert "Bob" Gooch, Phyllis and Jim Wilbanks, Donna and Nolan Scheihing, and Kathy and Mark McNally.
Pallbearers are Eldon Waner, Randy James, Alvin Foster, Joe Hall, Curt Watts, and Jim Freudenberger.
The family wishes to thank Dovie Cardin for her care and home cooking and her husband, Bill. Our family would like to thank all who have offered prayers and encouragement.
We respectfully request that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 102 East Noble Avenue, Guthrie, OK 73044.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com
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