John Joseph Freeman

On Thursday, May 29, 2003, JOHN JOSEPH FREEMAN of Lexington, VA, died on Thursday, May 29. He is survived by his wife, Jane Achenbach Freeman; his five children and sons-in-law, Susan and Charlie Howe of Mechanicville, VA, Patty and Mike Hanley of Chester, VA, Mike Freeman of Hillsborough, NC, Peggy and Kevin Schaefer of Ellicott City, MD, and Steve Freeman of Lakewood, CO. Other survivors also include nine grandchildren, Charlie and Tyler Howe, Erin, Jessie, Steve, and Pete Hanley, Ashleigh and Morgan Freeman, and Brittany Schaefer. He has five surviving siblings, Jim Freeman of Tulsa, OK, Bill Freman of Wheeling, WV, Ned Freeman of York, PA, Pat Freeman of Lexington, VA, and Margaret Jane Larkin of Pittsburgh, PA. Jack Freeman was fiercely proud of his birthplace in Windber, PA, where he excelled in sports in high school and quarterbacked Windber High Schools undefeated football teams of 1936. He earned a football scholarship to The College of William & Mary. There he also excelled at many sports, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. In 1942, he was named to the All-Virginia collegiate football team. In 1942, he played football for Richmond University as a Navy V-12 student and made All State again and All-Southern. His college education was interrupted when he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he saw action at Okinawa and served in the occupations of Korea and China. He was discharged as a Lt. J.G. and later became a Lt. in the U.S.N.R. He returned to William & Mary where he met his future wife, Jane Achenbach. They both graduated in 1947. Jack went on to teach and coach football at McKeesport High School in PA for two years; and Williamsport High School in PA for two years. His success at these high schools caught the ear of Marvin Bass at The College of William & Mary who asked him to become his assistant coach for the Tribe Football. One year later he became the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach where he coached the Iron Indians who had a winning season of 5-4-1 with a rooster of only 19 to 22 players. He was on the cover of LIFE magazine when William & Mary upset Navy. He spent over 20 years with The A&P Tea Company. In retirement, he returned to his first love to be an assistant football coach for Bob Thalman at the Virginia Military Institute. After he retired again, he was drafted at the last minute to coach football at Lexington High School when the school found itself without a leader. The USA News carried a blip about Jack being the oldest high school coach in the country. Services will be held on Monday, June 12, 11 A.M. at St. Patricks Church, Lexington, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Jack Freeman Football Scholarship Endowment may be sent to the William & Mary Athletic Endowment Foundation, P.O. Box 399, Williamsburg, VA 23187-0399. Be happy for me for I had a very rewarding life. Jack Freeman (11/24/1918-5/29/003). Arrangements by the Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington, VA.