James Freese

James was born Nov. 21, 1955 to Jack and Gloria (Montie) Freese. On Feb. 10, 1974 he married his love, Pamela Ellsworth. He was a devoted Family man. Jim welcomed home His sons James, Andrew and Justin and his only daughter Mishell Freese.

Jim’s heart and soul resided at W15314 Gager Rd, Engadine MI, property he purchased at 17 from his father. Jim and his family lived there whenever possible. Jim and his children had the joy of cutting boughs, and picking berries, and harvesting trophy deer. Jim appeared on Michigan Out-of-Doors, Big Buck Night with son, James Freese II, the recipient of the 1991 Biggest Muzzleloader Deer. Jim worked as a Boilerhouse Fireman at Monitorsugar for 10 years. Jim achieved his dreams of building a precision production sawmill, starting a business, and getting his pilot’s license. Freese Forest Products become a reality. For the next 2 decades Jim spent time cutting timber in the U.P.,

family hunting trips and making custom paneling.

Jim’s family was most important in his life. With yearly family vacations in the Florida Keys, Jim and his two sons fulfilled a life long dream and became dive certified. In 2001. Jim and his family relocated to Florida. Jim was an HVAC Technician, retiring in 2011. Jim and Pam returned to the U.P. All their children also returned to the U.P. Jim started his retirement mornings visiting with his children and nephew Joshua Rings, over coffee. Jim was an avid woodsman and a phenomenal gardener. He had an unbelievable knowledge of nature, a naturally gifted teacher, sharing with his family his wisdom. Jim’s true calling and biggest joy was spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pamela Ellsworth-Freese. His children James Freese II, Mishell Miller, Andrew (Cathy) Freese, and Justin (Jodi) Freese. His sister of love Lynn Strzelecki, brother-in-law Richard (Debbie) Kosloski, Sisters-in-Law Lynn Lucier and Rose (Bill) Taylor, brother-in-law Steve Emery, and 20 Grandchildren 3 great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his Mother Gloria (Montie) Freese, Father Jack Freese, Mother-in-Law Marylou (Ellsworth) Kosloski, Son-of-Love Brett Miller I, and beloved Grandson Xavier Freese. Sister Gretchen Freese, Brothers Jack and Samuel Freese, Sister-in-Law Christina Emery, Brother-in-Law Dean Strzelecki. To see full obituary go to Newberry News or Beaulieu Funeral Home.