James Otis Freeman, 88, an 86-year resident of Bryan and College Station, passed away September 18, 2008, in Colorado Springs, Colo., after a short illness. Services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday, September 25, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Bryan Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan.
James was born December 19, 1919, in Bryan. He spent his early years in construction and the dairy business. He married Ruby Simmons April 21, 1940. They were married for over 65 years until her death in 2005.
James was Superintendent for Butler Construction while Ruby was employed at Texas A-M. In 1963, he began a sales career with World Book. He was the top salesperson in Texas in 1976, winning many awards, including trips to Europe and Mexico and cruises to Greece and Hawaii. He served as World Book District Sales Manager and retired in 1998. He resided in Bryan until 2006, when he moved to Colorado Springs to be near his daughter, Kay.
James was preceded in death by his wife Ruby; parents, Sam and Julie Freeman; sister Pearl; and brothers Walter, Raymond, and Ernest.
Survivors include daughter Patricia Robichaux of St. George, Utah; daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Tom Rogers, and granddog Happy, all of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandchildren, Kim Smith of Dallas, Kathy Harper and husband Randy of Salt Lake City, Utah; Konrad Rogers and wife Stephanie of Denver Colo.; and Dr. Kendall Rogers and wife Dr. Shilpa Reddy of Albuquerque N.M.; two great-grandchildren, Gavin Rogers and Ashlyn Rogers of Denver; and sister-in-law Geneva Freeman of Bryan.
We are very sorry for your loss. We pray that God will be with you throughout this difficult time.
I had the honor of meeting Jim and Ruby several years ago when weI came to Bryan to finally meet my Pressley and Mitchell cousins. I had many conversations with Ruby about our family.
We so enjoyed talking with Jim and Ruby that day at lunch with Charles Mitchell and other family members. It is a treasured memory.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Nanci Presley-Holley and Rik Holley
I send thoughts of concern to the family. Long, long ago, James and Ernest were in my school class — I think it was the 4th grade. I remember them as being tall and kind — we were all struggling with the Great Depression at the time. I am glad to read of his good life. Sincerely, Olive Ruth (Hensarling) Nabors