James Robert Freeman

Stedman

Mr. James Robert Freeman, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 31, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday June 7, 2024, at Stedman Baptist Church, with Dr. James Atkinson officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:50 PM at the church prior to the service.

Born on August 4th, 1938, to Tom Marsh Freeman and Rachel Laverne Crumpler, James was a friendly, loving, and kind man who enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charles Lloyd Freeman and Tom Freeman Jr.; and his sister, Annette Freeman Bullock.

JR was best-known for his unconditional love for his family. He married his best friend in 1959 and together, they had two daughters, who went on to bring his three grandchildren into the world. JR was the kind of grandfather who didn't skip a beat and was there for his grandchildren without hesitation. JR went on to have seven great-grandchildren, all who also brought immense joy to his life.

Along with his love for family and friends, JR loved to work. His strong work ethic and determination led him to a successful career. At the age of sixteen, he began working at Butler Shoes, where he grew the corporate ladder, eventually earning the title of Vice-President of Regional Sales. After more than thirty years, JR retired from Butler, but his desire to continue working and refusal to relax led to two additional jobs at Rack Room Shoes and Belk.

Next, JR headed into his career as a Magistrate Judge for the State of North Carolina. While at the Magistrate's office, JR enjoyed working the night shift, where he reveled in handing down fair treatment, eventually retiring after more than thirty years. Despite having multiple retirements under his belt, JR decided to spend his remaining years at a job he loved: selling shoes at John Allen, where he worked until his passing.

Throughout his assortment of employment endeavors, one constant that remained in JR's life was his deep-rooted dedication to farming. He began farming as a young child, where he ran a one-mule plow with his father. Tobacco, corn, and cotton were his family's livelihood, and he continued the farming tradition with his children and grandchildren. JR leveraged a multitude of free labor in his fields in the form of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He had much pride in his produce stand, at which his wife and grandchildren were his top salespeople.

JR was a longtime member of Stedman Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Deacon. JR served as head usher and led the Daycare Committee for the church. He regularly was the first person to open the church, waiting anxiously to greet members as they arrived. JR stayed true to his faith and his relationship with God.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty-five years, Loretta Freeman; two daughters, Bonita Alexander and husband, Jim, and Melinda Hammond and husband Bobby; three grandchildren, Ben Hammond and wife, Katie; Samantha Alexander Hawkins and husband, Parker; Nick Hammond and wife, Clarissa; seven great-grandchildren, Chloe, Aubrey, Hannah, Mason, Harrison, Charlotte, and Wilson; three brothers John Lonnie Freeman, Jessie Wesley Freeman and Richard Earl Freeman; and his sister, Rachel Freeman Offenstein.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391.