Jim Freeman
Exercised, Ate Right, (mostly), Died Anyway.

James (Jim) Edmond Freeman, 84, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at home on December 2, 2025, after fighting cancer for two and a half years. He is the first of us to get to hug Michael again.

The first son of Edmond Levi Freeman and Jewell Elizabeth (Patterson) Freeman. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a beloved grandson, Michael Freeman. He is survived by his wife Nancy (Baker) Freeman, and his children Joey (Helen) Greer, Keith (Angie) Freeman, LaVonna (Brad) Anderson, David (Colette) Freeman, grandchildren Derik (Heather) Chase, Daniel (Larissa) Greer, Jeremy Greer, Erin (Ryan) Lee, Kendra Freeman, Devin (Greg) Tull, Kiersten (Colby) Riegle, Brenyn Freeman, Rian Freeman, and a slew of great-grandkids.

Jim credits God for turning his life around at age 21 during a November revival at Victory Baptist Church. He had lived a rebellious life until then and tried to keep his kids away from any companions from his old life, so they wouldn't learn what shenanigans he survived.

After having three biological children, he and Nancy felt they should open their hearts and home to foster children. Their kids joked that birth control was putting the phone in the dryer.

Jim started working for the Frisco railroad when he was 18 and retired early due to a train wreck, which meant he got to spend more time traveling to see the grandkids, taking them to Stockton Lake for fishing and camping. Oh, he and Nancy traveled to see their kids, but that seemed secondary when the grandkids came along.

As a life-long church member, he was a deacon, was involved in Lay Renewals, and learned more about his Savior through Bible Study Fellowship.

Dad was always picking up the check when his family went out to eat, so in lieu of flowers, which Nancy and LaVonna would let die anyway, spend that money taking someone you love out for dinner. Or a movie. Or buy them a flower.

The family will host a Visitation at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield, MO with a Services to follow at 2:00pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.