James Freeman

James (Jim) Freeman, 101

CAPE CORAL, FL - James "Jim" Freeman, 101, Cape Coral, FL, longtime Muncie resident and former Ball State Football coach, died peacefully Tuesday, August 11, 2015 surrounded by family at his home in Cape Coral, FL.

Jim was born in Denbo, Pennsylvania January 21, 1914 to Susan and Andrew Sirtosky. Jim was an "All Big Ten" football player at Indiana University graduating in 1938. He was the 76th player drafted in the NFL draft of 1938 by the Detroit Lions. Jim chose teaching and coaching young men and women over trying out for the NFL.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Ruth (Ashton) Freeman while attending college. Together they raised a family of seven boys and managed a coaching career spanning forty-two years. He coached high school and college football teams including the University of Connecticut and Indiana University before becoming head coach at Ball State Teachers College in 1956. Coach Freeman was also an instructor at Ball State until his retirement. While at Ball State, Jim encouraged and assisted many young men and women to obtain an education and get a degree. He also reached out to football players from the economically devastated coal mining area of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Many of these young men went on to become successful Teachers, Coaches, Athletic Directors and Administrators.

His faith provided the moral and ethical character to be a positive role model for his players. Jim's long life allowed him to observe the fruit of his work; the success and accomplishments of students he taught and athletes he coached. Jim was an active member of the American football Coaches Association and served on committees with many of the most successful NCAA Division I coaches. Coach Freeman was an avid outdoor sportsman enjoying fishing, hunting and camping with his sons.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; one son, Todd; one brother and three sisters.

Jim is survived by six sons, James Freeman Jr Anderson, IN, (wife, Susan), Richard Freeman Yorktown, IN, (wife, Susan), Timothy Freeman Clio, AL (wife, Pam), Michael Freeman Kingwood, TX, (wife, Marcy), Jeffery Freeman Greenfield, IN, (wife, Denice), Craig Freeman Indianapolis, IN (wife, Diane); nineteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration service of Jim's life will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Muncie First Church of the Nazarene, 3101 N Benton Road, Muncie.