James "Jimmy" G. Freeman
June 13, 2015
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Service Details
James Freeman, 65, passed away on June 13, 2015, at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born September 3, 1949, in Monterey, California, to Glenn and Ruth Freeman.
Jim was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1969 to 1971 in the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and various other medals of honor. He began his career in Des Moines as a welder for Firestone and had worked for several other factories throughout the Des Moines area prior to becoming an over the road truck driver. He later moved to Pennsylvania where he resided for 24 years and worked for the VA in various positions in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Following retirement, he moved to South Dakota before returning to Des Moines three years ago to be with the love of his life, Rosalind and children.
Jim was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. In 1975, he became a member of the Jaycees, East Des Moines Chapter. He had a passion for life and loved people. Jim had a great sense of humor. Above all, he cherished his family and their time spent together.
Jim is survived by his wife, Roz Freeman; children, Mendy (Freeman) Dudley and Jesse Freeman; grandsons, Michael, Jesse Jr., Justin, Julius, Jordan, Myles, James, and Jason; great-grandchildren, Michael Jr., Javonni, and one on the way; father, Glenn (Lucy) Freeman; brothers, Claude Freeman and Bryan (Janet) Freeman; sisters, Janice Phillips, Barb (Merlin) Lynguthmiller, Val (Rick) Rayevich, Debbie Falzone-Floren, and Rocky Allard. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Cunningham; infant son, James Freeman Jr.; brother, Billy Phillips; and sister, Carol McDaniels.
We love you and miss you deeply.
A memorial visitation will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Jim.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mark Decker
02/21/2023
I apologize for late condolences but remember Jimmy from early 70's moving here from South Dakota when I was a young boy and Jimmy living with my family. My dad taught Jimmy how to weld in SD uponn returning from Vietnam. Jimmy was crucial to the man I've become some 50yrs later. I have many stories I can share Roz should you be interested. My condolences for the loss of such a great man that taught me so much as a young man. Roz if interested give me a call 515-402-5143. All my love Mark
Deny Lammardo
06/21/2015
I worked with Jimmy at the VA in PA. The love of his life Bethany and my husband and Jimmy spent many nights playing dominoes and BBQ.We had lots if laughs and many great memories.
Patty McDonnell
06/19/2015
Roz and family,
I met Jimmy at the VA in Wilkes Barre. He always had a smile on his face and made work a pleasure. He was a great guy and helped me tremendously when my so was deployed to Iraq. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences to you Roz and your children and grandkids. Patty
Frank G. Miller
06/19/2015
I knew Jim through mutual friends some 35 years ago. I considered him a friend and fellow Vietnam veteran. Jim possessed the personality of someone you loved to be around, funny, happy, and always willing to help. The world is going to miss this man.
My sincerest sympathies to his family & friends. May GOD grant you Peace in your time of sorrow.
Roxanne
06/18/2015
He is gone too soon, so sorry for your loss Roz, Jesse and Mendy and all his beloved grandchildren, I pray for your grief to pass, and only his love and laughter remain