Nov. 30, 1944 – Nov. 3, 2016

VIDALIA — Memorial services for James R. “Sarge” Freeman, 71, of Vidalia, who died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Natchez, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Young’s Funeral Home Chapel in Vidalia with the Rev. Max Smith officiating.
Mr. Freeman was born Nov. 30, 1944, in Tallulah, La., the son of Rowan and Mattie Freeman.
He was retired from International Paper Company where he was a maintenance electrician. When I.P. closed, he worked at the Isle of Capri in the same capacity before finally retiring in 2013.
James was proud to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and finished his tour of duty as a sergeant, which is how he earned his nickname, “Sarge.” He served a number of years in the National Guard. He was also an avid Louisiana State University and New Orleans Saints football fan.
Mr. Freeman was a member of two bowling leagues and looked forward to seeing all his fellow bowlers each week. His love of country music was rivaled only by his love of Cajun and Bluegrass.
Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tommy Freeman; and one sister, Betty De’Loach.
Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Ruth Reeves Freeman; three daughters, Ann Wisner and Jennifer Warnock, both of Richland, and Beth Kelly and partner, Jennifer, of Flower Mound, Texas; three sons, James “Jamie” Freeman Jr. and wife, Kim, of Alabama, James L. Kelly III of the Philippines and Steven L. Kelly of Rocky Mount, N.C.; three sisters, Peggy Manuel and husband, Darrell, of Streetman, Texas, Rowena Johnson of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Ella Price of Vicksburg; 15 grandchildren, Peyton Wisner, John Avery Wisner, Mathew Warnock, Sarah Warnock, Maya Freeman, Jaylin Freeman, Gregory Kennon, Natalie Kennon, Cadance Kelly Frye, Katelyn Baggerly, Phillip Kelly, Jacob Kelly, Carson Kelly, Steven L. Kelly Jr. and Nicholas Kelly; and one great-granddaughter, Hazel Wisner.