James Oliver Freed

James "Jim" Oliver Freed, of Milford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, at the age of 88.
Jim was born on October 13, 1937, in Prescott, Michigan, to Marie (Lescher) Freed and Oliver Freed. He attended Prescott High School, and later in his teenage years, his family relocated to Milford. Jim found a deep sense of purpose in the Milford community and was always grateful to call it home.
Jim and his late wife, Yvonne, were the former owners of the downtown Milford Standard Amico full-service gas station. Together, they proudly served local families and travelers for more than three decades.
Jim treasured every moment spent with his children. His bond with his daughter, Denise, was especially close. She was a true daddy's girl, and some of her best memories were made at his gas and auto station, helping him work on cars, greeting customers, and riding along with him on towing trips. Jim loved having her by his side, and Denise cherished being her father's daughter. Jim also shared many adventures with his sons. Whether they were hunting, fishing, or working outdoors together, he taught them not just skills, but values. One of his favorite sayings was, "If you're hunting or fishing with your boys, you're not going to have to hunt for them," and those simple words reflected the way he lived, keeping his family close through time, hard work, and shared experiences. Together, those moments - in the garage, in the woods, on the water, or riding in the tow truck - created memories that shaped his children and stayed with them for life.
Jim enjoyed woodworking, spending time in his garage, and working on his tractors. He and Yvonne were longtime members of Milford Baptist Church. As a lover of Christ, Jim embodied the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
Jim's impact reached far beyond his family. For decades, he was a steady, familiar, and trusted presence in Milford. Generations remember pulling into his station to hear the bell ring, having their windows cleaned or oil checked, and being greeted with his warm and gracious manner. He quietly helped countless people, whether he was offering a teenager his first job, rescuing a child from drowning, stepping in to support families in need, or simply taking time to talk with neighbors. His humility, generosity, and servant's heart made Milford a better place. He leaves behind a legacy not only of hard work, but of kindness remembered by everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his children Denise (Diane) Freed, Dale Freed, David Freed, and Denny (Debbie) Freed; grandchildren Korissa, Karesse, Karrah, Kayla, Karoline, Jordan, Jeremy, Caresse, Brian, Brie, and Kristen; thirty-one great and great great grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife of 63 years, Yvonne Faye (Thompson) Freed.
Jim will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a man who showed up, worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with quiet strength and kindness.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Milford Memorial Cemetery.