James Lawrence Freeman

James Lawrence Freenam, 76, a resident of Etowah, TN passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at UT Medical Center. Born in Servilla, TN, on June 3, 1941 to Jay Dee Freeman and Emma McCormack. He grew up here in East Tennessee, where his love for hunting began. As a young man he went into the Army and was stationed in Germany, where he met Hannelore Polenski. They married on November 3, 1961, their son was also born this year. He returned to Tennessee with his family and continued to serve in the Army. In 1974 his daughter was born and he decided to move his family to Florida. He began his career with McArthur Dairy Farms where he worked for over 20 years. His love for hunting a rare breed of dog the American Blue Gascon grew over the years. He traveled to many places and met many people with his Gascon hounds "Gator" and then "Smoke". Hunters from all over would come to Okeechobee to hunt with him.
In 1999, he retired and returned to Tennessee. He began bear hunting, and joined the local Radio Club. He spent most of his mornings at the Senior Center in Athens, where he enjoyed shooting pool with his friends. He enjoyed spending his afternoons with his family. He was a member of the American Blue Gascon Hound Association, Radio Club and the Athens Senior Center.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by one son Larry Freeman and one brother Morris Freeman.

James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Hannelore Freeman, daughter Cheryl Freeman, two sisters Doris Kerley and Iris Evans, seven grandchildren Jay Dee Wolf, Wendell Wolf, Lorenz Freeman, Freddy Freeman, Katelyn Scott, Hanna Colon and Courtney Colon, nine great grandchildren- Bradley, Shawn, Brayden, Marcus, Makayla, Brooke, Clayton, Avery and Asriah, numerous other extended family members and a host of special friends.

A celebration of his life is planned for Thursday night, February 22, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the chapel of Companion Funeral Home of Athens located at 400 S White Street. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until the 6:00 PM at the funeral home. The service will conclude with military honors.

You are encouraged to share a memory of James and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist the Freeman family with his arrangements.