James Leroy Freeman, 98 of Allegan, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Vicinia Gardens in Otsego, Michigan. Born August 21, 1923 in Allegan, Michigan, he was the son of the late Harry and Anna (Bos) Freeman and the husband of the late Josephine “Josie” (Haisma) Freeman. James was a hard worker and proved it by dedicating 36 years to General Motors, where he was loved and respected by so many, and at the same time being a productive dairy farmer. He didn’t seem to have an off switch. Over his 98 years here on earth, he was known for making maple syrup with his son, changed his dairy farm into a corn and hay farm, kept a beautiful and abundant garden of which he delivered the produce to relatives and friends, and continued to walk about 4 miles a day and bike ride up until the last few years. To say he stayed active was an understatement. Over the years he loved to spend his winters in Florida where he continued activities such as shuffleboard, walking and biking, even through the busy Florida traffic! James also was an avid reader. Even though he was retired from GM, he would still attend the union meetings just to keep up with the other retirees. James was also a big John Deere fan and had a huge collection. Probably the most amazing thing about James was his commitment to his Lord and his family. He was a long-time member of the Reformed Church, first in Allegan and then the Dunningville Reformed Church. James was a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather (he especially loved the little babies) and was always there for his family. So many cherished memories made over the years and special times to be remembered and shared with laughter, tears and joy.
James is survived by his children, Judy (Fred) Waanders, Dennis (Debbie) Stora, Janis Stora, Linda (Bud) Nevenzel, and Sara (Tim) Purkey; grandchildren, Fred (Laree) Waanders, Ben Waanders (Tracie), Amy (Tim) Christman, Angela (Roger) Waanders, Krissy (Eric) Nordhoff, Patti (Nate) Fletcher, Maribeth (Chris) Dodd, Dennis Jr. “Buddy” (Semhar) Stora, Jody (Eric) Avery, Leslie Simpson, Will (Mandy) Simpson, Nikkia (Kevin) Robinson, Alicia (Jason) Blik, Monica Nevenzel, Dustin (Lesley) Nevenzel, Kelly Purkey, Michael (Neha) Purkey, and Matthew Purkey; 35 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents and his wife, James was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald Freeman and James Freeman; and his brother, Donald Freeman.
Friends may meet with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at the Dunningville Reformed Church on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 11:00 AM, Pastor John Zwyghuizen officiating. James will be laid to rest next to his wife in Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Allegan All Sports Boosters Club or Hopkins FFA.
