James William Freese

James was born November 21st, 1955 to Jack and Gloria (Montie) Freese. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. On February 10, 1974 he married the love of his life Pamela Sue Ellsworth.

Jim’s heart and soul resided at W15314 Gager Rd, Engadine Ml, the family property he purchased at 17 from his father. Throughout his 51 years of marriage Jim and his family lived there whenever possible. He had the joy of seeing trophy deer harvested by himself and his children. Jim even appeared on Fred Trost’s Michigan Out-of-Doors, Big Buck Night which he attended with his 17-year-old eldest son, James Freese II, the recipient of the 1991 Biggest Muzzleloader Deer taken that season. Jim spent many years with all his children cutting boughs in the fall, picking berries and mushrooms in the spring, and snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter on the family land.

In the early years Jim worked as a Boiler House Fireman at Bay City Monitor Sugar. Jim enjoyed the 8 month work seasons and the 4 month lay-offs, which allowed him to return with his family to his beloved home in Engadine. Shortly after beginning work at BCMS Jim welcomed home his only daughter, Mishell Sue Freese, who was the first girl born into his family in 25 years. Around Jim and Pam’s 10th anniversary their second son Andrew Joseph Freese was born in Newberry. They decided to put roots down in the town where they were born, Alpena. Jim pursued his dreams of building a sawmill, starting a business, furthering his education and getting his pilot’s license. Shortly after moving Jim was blessed with his third son Justin Allen-Michael Freese. Jim built a precision production sawmill and swing arm trailer to make his business, Freese Forest Products, become a reality. Friends often said if Jim needed a piece of equipment, he built it. For the next two decades Jim spent his time cutting timber and cedar in the U.P. summers, taking family hunting trips in Engadine in the fall, and making custom-made paneling.

Jim’s family was the most important thing in his life. He made it a priority to take his family for extended vacations in the Florida Keys, visiting extended family along the way. Jim and his youngest two sons fulfilled a lifelong dream and became dive certified on Marathon Key, Florida. In early 2001 Jim and his family relocated to Florida with all of his children and grandchildren relocating as well. Jim worked as a HVAC Technician until retiring in 2011. After retiring, Jim returned to the U.P. with his wife Pam. All his children and most of the grandchildren returned to the U.P. within a year. Jim started most days of his retirement visiting with his adult 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, he was always sharing with his children and grandchildren 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 Sue Ellsworth-Freese; his children James Freese II, Mishell Miller, Andrew (Catherine Wilson) Freese, and Justin (Jodi) Freese; his sister-of-love Lynn Katherine Strzelecki, brother-in-law Richard (Debbie) Kosloski, sisters-in-law Lynn Lucier and Rose (Bill) Taylor, and brother-in-law Steve Emery; grandchildren Jericha (Chris) Brice, Erin Miller, Brett Miller II, Pamela Miller, Jazmine Weaver (Freese), Emma Miller, Issy Freese, Joseph Miller, Katie Freese, Ayden Miller, Justin Freese, Andrew Freese II, Wilson Freese, Nathan Freese, Faith Cornell, Jordan Cornell, Xander Freese, and Tucker Freese; great-grandchildren Elena Brice, Jackson Brice, and Sophia Brice; many beloved nieces and nephews and a favorite aunt Arvilla (Montie) McCall.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Gloria Angienette (Montie) Freese, father Jack Hiram Gustave Freese, mother-in-law Marylou (Ellsworth) Kosloski, sister Gretchen Freese, brothers Jack Freese and Samuel Freese, sister-in-law Christina Emery, brother-in-law Dean Strzelecki, son-of-love Brett Richard Miller I, and beloved grandson Xavier Michael Freese.

A celebration of Jim’s life took place Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.