James H. Freis

1944 - 2020

James H. Freis

Metuchen - James H. Freis, Esq., loving husband and father of three children, passed away at home, surrounded by family on August 11, 2020. He was 76.

Jim was born in New Brunswick, NJ on June 11, 1944 to Agnes and Peter Freis. He arrived 20 minutes behind his twin brother Peter—allowing Jim to always refer to himself as the "younger one". The twins were known as gifted baseball players, with Jim once considered a prospect as a professional pitcher. Jim and Pete were first generation students at St. Peter's College, graduating cum laude in 1966.

Jim married his wife Maria, a nurse and social worker, on August 10, 1968. He graduated in 1969 from Villanova Law School on full academic scholarship, before departing to Germany with the US Army from 1970-1972. He retired with the rank of captain and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. They re-established roots in Metuchen, NJ to raise their three children: Jeannie, Jim, Jr. and Kathleen.

Jim joined Shanley and Fisher law firm as the 28th attorney in 1972, becoming partner in 1979. Leading the firm's Somerset, NJ office for two decades, Jim also served as chair of the Banking Law Section of the NJ State Bar Association and as bond counsel to the State of New Jersey—proud to have served on the privatization of Newark Penn Station and the financing of NJ Transit rail cars, following his father's career selling tickets for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He later led the firm's healthcare financing practice and was passionate about marrying his skill in law with his belief in equal access to quality healthcare.

Always dedicated to helping others in personal and professional ways, Jim was particularly proud of the early friendship he established with Reverend Arthur W. Jones of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. The two men partnered to build the Pilgrim Village of Newark—a parking lot turned residence for over 200 people. He was later recognized for this work as an awardee alongside Rosa Parks in 1982. Jim loyally served on the Archdiocese of Newark Pension Board (40 years) and Board of Consultors, Villanova Law School (20 years).

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maria, his children, Jeannie, Jim, Jr., and Kathleen, his daughter-in-law Deborah, and son-in-law Edward, as well as his five grandchildren: Josephine, Harrison, Xavier, Fiorella, and Gwen.

The family asks that any gifts in honor of Jim's memory be made in support of one of the following:

•The James H. Freis, Esq. '66 Endowed Scholarship: Checks payable to Saint Peter's University—2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306

•The Joan Dancy and PALS (People with ALS) Foundation: ssl.charityweb.net/joandancyandpals

Funeral details: www.costello-runyon.com.