Jay Freewalt

Jay Freewalt age 60 passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle on May 14th 2025, with his beloved son and daughter by his side, holding his hand as he took his final breath. In that quiet, sacred moment, he was guided home with love to be reunited with his mother, father, and brother John in heaven, a reunion surely filled with warmth, laughter, and the peace he so deeply deserved.
Jay Edward Freewalt was born on February 17, 1965, in Lima, Ohio, to Ronald L. and Mary A. (Cunningham) Freewalt. His family later moved to Delaware, and eventually settled in Holmes County, where they laid down lasting roots. It was there that Jay built a meaningful life and began raising a family of his own.
He leaves behind his beloved companions, his dogs Dink and Feebe "the girls" who he loved so dearly and who were never far from his side. And was always looking to share a treat together. Jay's legacy is not measured by time, but by the kindness he shared, the memories he helped create, and the unconditional love he gave to those around him. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Dusty (Nico) Johnson of Shreve and Jace Freewalt of Nashville. He took great pride in being a grandfather to Greysen and Axl Johnson, who brought laughter, energy, and pure joy into his life. Jay is also survived by his brother, Jeff (Patty) Freewalt, and his nephews, Keith, Kevin, and Joe Freewalt-each of whom held a special place in his heart, just as he did in theirs.
Jay was a man who lived closely with nature and even closer with those he loved. His soul was rooted in the outdoors. The woods, the lakes, and the fields were not just places he visited-they were where he came alive. Whether he was deer hunting at dawn, walking miles in search of morel mushrooms, casting a line into quiet waters, spending hours looking for arrowheads, or sitting around a crackling campfire under the stars, Jay found comfort and joy in the simplicity and stillness of the outdoors. It was where he felt most at home, most himself.
He didn't keep that love to himself. Jay made it his mission to pass his passions on to his children and friends not just by teaching them how to track a deer, pitch a tent, or find the perfect arrowhead but by showing them how to slow down and truly see the world. In every shared hunt, every quiet walk through the woods, and every memory created by the firelight, Jay gave his loved ones something lasting: a deep appreciation for life, and moments of laughter and connection to cherish forever.
Jay had a rare gift for transforming the ordinary into something meaningful. With an artist's eye, a craftsman's hands, and a heart full of love, he took simple things-driftwood, stones, feathers, bones etc. and shaped them into works of art filled with purpose and sentiment. His creations weren't just objects; they were reflections of his spirit, his patience, and the countless hours he joyfully poured into making something beautiful for others to hold dear.
But perhaps what stood out most about Jay was the size of his heart. He had a laugh that could brighten even the darkest day and a kindness that left its mark on everyone he met. He didn't judge. He didn't expect. He simply gave of his time, his energy, and his love. Whether it was offering help without being asked, making someone smile when they needed it most, or literally giving the shirt off his back, Jay lived by a quiet and steadfast code of generosity and compassion.He carried his burdens with grace and without complaint, and he celebrated life's simple joys with sincere gratitude.
Jay leaves behind a legacy that can't be measured in years, but in the hearts he touched, the memories he built, and the love he gave so freely. His children will carry his stories, his lessons, and his love for the outdoors for the rest of their lives. His friends will carry his laughter and quiet wisdom. And all who knew him will carry the imprint of a truly good man.
In the stillness of early morning hunts, as the mist rises from the fields, or in the peaceful solitude of casting a line into calm waters, his memory will be with us. In every shared story around a campfire, every echo of laughter carried by the wind, he lives on-etched in the land he loved and in the hearts of those who knew him.Wherever there's a hunt in the woods or the gentle cast of a line, we'll feel him there-smiling, steady, and forever near.
Jay was a proud and selfless Lifebanc donor-an act that beautifully reflected the kind of man he was. His willingness to give, speaks to a lifetime of quiet generosity and compassion. Through organ and tissue donation, Jay has given the gift of life, healing, and renewed hope to others-strangers who will now have more time with their families, more milestones to celebrate, and more moments to cherish. His legacy will continue to live on not only in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, but also in the lives he touched through this final, extraordinary gift. Jay didn't just leave behind memories-he left behind miracles.
We invite you to join us in celebrating a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories on May 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Airport Ridge Sporting Clays 9537 County Road 292 Millersburg OH, 44654. Come share stories, smiles, and moments of remembrance as we honor someone who meant so much to us all.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ohio's LifeCare Hospice for the compassionate and tender care they provided. Their kindness and support will never be forgotten.
If you feel moved to make a donation or memorial donation, the family is asking donations be made to Alexander's Funeral Home or memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare. Your generosity and support during this difficult time are truly appreciated and every prayer is felt by his loved ones.
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.