FREEMAN, JAMES F., 91, of Louisville, was born March 20, 1918 and died Monday January 11, 2010.
Above are the dates of a man's existence, but between those two dates was our father's life. He is now in the arms of `his one Rose'. Our Daddy brought joy to the people who were blessed enough to know him or be touched by him. Every day of his life he remembered that through his belief in God, hard work, diligence and compassion for others, he was creating his family's legacy. He believed in tradition. He not only protected his own family, he made sure that each person in this country was given the right to live free. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Korean Conflict, and the CCC. He served his country with dignity and pride. He did the same for his family. He gave his wife, Rose, every ounce of his love throughout 59 years of marriage and almost eleven years since her death. He gave her laughter, music, comfort, gentleness, dances, and above all a place to call home in his arms. As a skilled tool and die maker he worked at General Electric from where he retired. He worked with precision in everything he did. After retirement he became a skilled locksmith. He was a founding member of St. Clement Catholic Church ( now St. Peter the Apostle). He was a member of the St. Clement Friendship Club, Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Golden Age. He was a Scoutmaster of Troop 51. Daddy never met a stranger. We will miss your beautiful smile, your gentle laugh, and your knowing eyes. Your strength will continue to guide us, your hands will continue to pick us up when we fall, caress our hearts when we ache and enfold us when we need your love.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rose(Drees) Freeman, his grandson David Pierce, and great-grand daughter Rebecca Pierce, his parents and sisters Thelma Acree, and Kay Oschner, and brother Billy Freeman.
He leaves to cherish his memory five children and their spouses, Joyce Manford (Kenny), Kathy Thomas (Robert), Linda Pierce (Joe), David Freeman (Linda), and Beth Schelling (Billy). Eleven grandchildren, Ken Manford-Roach (Jeffrey), Mike Manford, Jennifer Knoer (James), Jody Pierce (Penny), Jamey Pierce (Kyla), David Freeman, Jr (Tammy), Brian Freeman (Norma), Michael Thomas (Tina), Chad Schelling (Kelley), Jeremy Schelling (Mina), and Josh Schelling. Twelve great-grand children, Andi, Tyler, Caitlyn, Ethan, Camryn, Kayla, Jackson, Kelly, Trevor, Riley, Emma, Logan, and one due in March, Ava Rose. Also surviving brother, Guy Freeman Sr.; sister Ella Kirchner, many loving nieces and nephews; and many very good and dear friends.
Funeral Mass will be 11am Friday at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 7718 Columbine Drive with burial to follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Mt. Washington, KY.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5-9pm and Thursday 12-9pm at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway.
Special thanks to Hosparus who made it possible to carry out our father’s wishes to be at home when God called him to join our mother.
Expressions of sympathy to Hosparus of Louisville.