James Arthur Freeman (a.k.a., Jim, Jimmy Freeman), of Blue Ridge, Texas (previously Midland, Texas) died at home and went to be with his Savior on March 1, 2011 after a battle with cancer.  

James was born in Mountain Park, Oklahoma on April 1, 1926 to his loving parents Ira and Zollie (Smith) Freeman.  When he was 8 years old, he moved to Blanchard, Oklahoma where he attended school until leaving High School early to join the US Navy.  He was stationed in San Diego for basic training, Woodby Island, Washington for additional training, several locations in Brazil and finally Pensacola, Florida.   Jim ultimately achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and was assigned to Squadron BPV 45 in the Atlantic where he served as a Radioman and Tail Gunner on a PBY-5A anti-submarine warfare airplane.  

While in the Navy he met the love of his life, Sybil Leatrice Lowery, and they were married in Brewton, Alabama on December 28, 1945.  He graduated from W. S. Neal High School in Brewton in 1947, received a degree in Advanced Radio from the Alabama School of Trades in Gadsden, Alabama in 1950 and subsequently earned his first class license in Radio Engineering.  From 1950 through 1956 he worked at a number of locations as a Radio Engineer and Chief Radio Engineer including Valdosta, Georgia (WGOV), Monroe, Louisiana (KNOE) and Midland, Texas (KCRS).  He lived in Midland, Texas from 1952 until moving to Blue Ridge in November, 2002.  

While in Midland, Jim owned a television repair business from the early 1950’s until 1989.  From 1989 until his retirement in 1999 Jim worked for the Midland Independent School District as a bus driver for grade school and special needs children (he voluntarily took a course and learned sign language to better communicate with his passengers).  He was well known for his love of family and children.