James "Gym" William Freeman

James is preceded in death by his father and sister, Susan Taylor.

James is survived by his wife, Sheila Jurney Freeman, children: Kristina(Will) Hall; Richard Freeman; Sonja(Ryan) Becknell; grandchildren: Ava Hall; Owen Becknell; Nora Becknell; mother, Remedios Freeman, siblings: Ron(Wanda) Freeman; Janet(Allyn) Delwiche; Beverly(John) Weaver; and John(Cecile) Freeman.

James graduated with a Masters Degree in Geography and Urban/ Regional Planning from Appalachian State University. He was an accomplished athlete in the Track and Field Program James was the Athletics Scholarship recipient for the ASU Track and Field Program as a sprinter. He was a member at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Statesville, N.C. James was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, N.C. League of Municipalities, Regional Council of Governments and the International City/County Management Association, N.C. and was a senior advisor for the N.C. City/County Management Association. James was the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his proven record of service to the state of North Carolina. He was an avid and dedicated runner, spent time boating, fishing, and crabbing.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 22, 2022, beginning at 11 am at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 525 Camden Dr., Statesville, NC 28677. The next day, Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 2-4 pm a memorial gathering will be held at Sweet Magnolia Estate, 10101 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC, 28031. James’s final resting place will be at the Salisbury National Cemetery, where he will receive a military funeral honors ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Appalachian State University Athletics: Men's Track and Field Programs, or the Government and Justice Studies program.

Donation Instructions:

● To donate to the Appalachian State University Track and Field or Government Justice Studies, go to:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1727/cg20/form.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=392&cid=1011

1. Type in the Total amount you would like to donate.

2. Select “One Time Gift”

3. Click the “View Additional Funds (by College/Area)” button

a. Select either/or both:

i. “Men’s Track and Cross Country” option from the Athletics/ Yosef Club section near the

bottom of the list.

ii. “Government and Justice Studies” option from the College of Arts and Sciences section.

b. Click Continue

4. If you selected both, specify how much you would like to send to each department.

5. Input your information

6. Under Additional Gift Information select “Honorary/Memorial Gifts

a. Choose “In Memory”

b. Input “James William Freeman” for Person’s Full Name

c. Notification Name - “Sheila Freeman”

d. Notification address - 221 Silver Falls Dr., Troutman NC 28166

e. Please feel free to add your personal note.

f. Click Pay at the bottom

Bunch-Johnson is honored to be serving the Freeman family during this time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Freeman family.