James "Jim" Ohlen Freeman Jr.

Jim was born in Columbia on 12 March, 1937. He attended Dreher High School, where he was a member of the Dark Horseman Club, graduating in 1954. After high school, Jim entered the U.S. Air Force and served for over 20 years. During his Air Force career, he also served as the Fire Chief at McEntire Air National Guard Base.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, Jim was the first Chief of the Police and Fire Department at Columbia Metropolitan Airport when it reopened after new renovations in the late 1960's. After spending 13 years at the Airport, he started his own business, opening and operating Freeman's Sales for over 30 years at the Number 1 Flea Market and Barnyard Flea Market. He faithfully attended church services at the Barnyard Worship Center and was one of the original eleven members when it started in 1994.

Jim is a graduate of Palmer College and the FBI National Academy. He was also a Mason, Shriner and member of The Wade Hampton Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Jim is survived by his brother Richard Freeman and his wife Brenda Freeman, his daughter Patricia F. Corbin and her husband COL Randall Corbin (US Army Retired), son Ricky Freeman and his wife Kathleen Freeman of Frankfurt, Germany, four grandchildren David Corbin, Karrie Corbin Goff, Jamie Corbin, and Shane Freeman; and two great grandchildren Autumn Corbin and Taz Goff.

Jim was a good, hardworking man who loved people and would talk to everyone. A devoted brother, father and grandfather, he will be missed with all our hearts and souls.

A memorial service will be held at the Barnyard Flea Market Worship Center on Sunday, 17 November at 10:30 followed by a Celebration of Life drop-in at his home from 1:00 to 3:00. The graveside service will be conducted at Mill Creek Cemetery on Garners Ferry Road at 1:00 on Saturday, 23 November.