WATSON, NY — James M. Freeman, 73, died late Thursday evening, Oct. 8, 2020, at Faxton-St. Lukes Hospital.
Born July 11, 1947, in Lowville, the son of the late Beryl W. and the late Cornelia “Tip” (Tippins) Freeman, he graduated in 1965 from Lowville Academy and Central School.
He married Christine A. Burke on Jan. 25, 1975, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Jim worked for Lewis County Social Services in several departments and retired from the Support Collection Unit after serving 33 years.
Jim was currently serving on the Watson Town Board as a Councilman, Past President of Lewis County CSEA #825, volunteered for Lewis County United Way Board of Directors, Lowville Food Pantry Board, and was co-founder of Lewis County Christmas Sharing Program which he carried on in honor of his father. He was a life member and active member of the Elks where he was a past secretary, and awarded Elk of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
He was best known for his family’s tradition, “Freeman’s Taffy” which has been in his family since 1895. Jim was known for his love of the fair. Once when he was asked what he likes the most about the fair he replied that he “loved seeing the people”. This year would have been the 125th year at the fair.
Jim was most proud of his family and their accomplishments. He could always be seen at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school activities. Nothing brought him more joy than supporting everything they were involved in.
Surviving Jim are his wife, Chris, their children, Heather (John) Reed; Scott (Lori) Freeman; Shawn (Teresa) Freeman; five grandchildren Ryan, Cole, and Kyla Reed, Hannah and Carli Freeman; a sister Carolyn (Roger) Maciejko; a special aunt and uncle, Frederick (Joan) Tippins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Patty Burke, Paul and Janet Manzer, Rick Theiser and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Peggy Theiser.
A funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Jay Seymour, pastor, and Fr. Christopher Carrara concelebrating. The burial will follow in Beaches Bridge Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Sundquist Funeral Home. Please wear a mask and follow COVID rules.
Memorials in his name may be made to: Lewis County Christmas Sharing, c/o Lowville Food Pantry, 7646 Forest Avenue, Lowville, NY 13367.
Online condolences may be made at www.sundquistfh.com