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James Freedman Obituary
January 8, 1954 - June 8, 2025
James Freedman lost his valiant battle with cancer on June 8, 2025. He was a consummate gentleman who was devoted to his daughter, his siblings, his extended family, and his myriad of friends. Jimmy was known for being a great conversationalist, sharing bizarre nuggets of trivia and valuable knowledge, and always available to share words of wisdom and sage advice. Jimmy did not know a stranger and selflessly devoted his time and efforts to improving the lives of those he encountered.
Jim had a variety of interests. He was a voracious reader, a lifelong learner, and had a deep interest in the works of Mark Twain and the history of golf. He routinely watched Jeopardy and would text friends and family to see if they got the Final Jeopardy answer. He enjoyed solving challenging crossword puzzles, actively sought out local diners, restaurants, and used bookstores in the many places to which he traveled, and was always ready to make fried eggs, country ham, and pimento cheese sandwiches. He enjoyed watching old Westerns, baseball, tennis, and golf, and listening to a variety of shows on NPR.
Jim was born in New York City and lived in New Bedford, MA, Memphis, TN, Sylvania, GA and Richlands, VA before settling in Macon, GA where he became an ingrained member of the community. He graduated from Richlands High School and the University of Virginia. He worked at Meadowbrook Hardware in Charlottesville, VA before establishing himself as a successful painting contractor in the Charlottesville area. His adventure for life enabled him to pursue his lifelong dream of making a career of caddying on the PGA Tour, a passion he followed for more than two decades.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Seymour and Rosalie Freedman. He is survived by his loving daughter, Eliza Freedman; sisters, Louise Freedman (Bill Roper), Carol Lusty (Eric), Laura Gourley (Don); brother, Alan Freedman; nieces, Virginia Gourley (Bianca) and Miranda Freedman; nephews, Harrison Lusty, Ben Gourley (Kelsey), Connor Lusty, Ryan Lusty (Maddy), Sammy Freedman, and great nephew, Max Gourley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or cause important to you in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Freedman
2 Entries
Gary Maclay
June 20, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. He was a friend from a long while back, but I´ll never forget having a beer and sharing a plate of Nachos with him many a Friday night at Random Row. He was a great conversationalist and would look me up to have a beer whenever he got back to Charlottesville over the years. RIP Jim, it hits me pretty hard to know you´re gone.
Greg Webber
June 20, 2025
Sorry to hear of Jim's recent passing.
We were business partners in a painting business, (Freedman & Webber), approximately 40 years ago in Charlottesville, Va.
My thoughts & Prayers go out to family & friends that were touched in so many ways throughout his journey through life.
Jim was an encouragement to myself as we both ventured in different directions long ago.
Jim having the opportunity to engage in his continued love of golf as a professional caddy, and myself continuing as a local paint contractor to this day. He will be missed by so many that were touched in unique ways by his presence, whether it be business partners, family or friends.
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