JAMES FREEMAN

On Thurs., December 31, 2020 James Leo Freeman loving husband and father of six children, passed away peacefully in his sleep of congestive heart failure at the age of 87.

Jim was born on April 16, 1933 in Pelsor, Arkansas to Henry Freeman and Ella Mae (Horner) Freeman. On March 23, 1952, he married Martha Ann Hacker. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage raising 3 sons, James Timothy, Matthew, and Henry, and 3 daughters, Cynthia, April, and Tamara. He was the sales manager at Mainland Nursery for 24 years before opening his own plant shop called ‘The Green Scene’ in Downtown Stockton. After owning the plant shop, he went on to work at Baumbach’s Nursery for 7 years before retiring.

Jim had a green thumb and always found joy working in the nursery industry and tending to his plants. He often made plant arrangements for any and every occasion, and his designs were appreciated by all who received them. He also enjoyed collecting coins and was often surprising the family with his new coin purchases and reminding us that “if you ever find yourself a dime from 1964 or earlier you can be sure it’s made out of real silver.” Jim was always the first to crack a quick-witted joke that made everyone around him laugh. He made good times better, but above all Jim loved the Lord and his family- both of which were his anchor throughout his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Henry; his mother, Ella Mae; his brothers, Leroy and Huedel; and his baby daughter, Cynthia. He is survived by his wife, Martha; his five children, James Timothy (Tillie), Matthew, April (Ron), Tamara, and Henry (Laurie); his sister, Georgianna Moss; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 11th, 2021 at the Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in his memory to American River Hospice Services.

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