Freed, James Edwin's Obituary
On Friday, December 5, 2025, James Edwin Freed, 81, went home to be with the Savior. James was born on November 29, 1944, to Clarence Edwin Freed Jr. and Virginia Lucille (Dunham) Freed, in Chickasha, OK. He passed from this life on December 5, 2025, in Tulsa, OK.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Beverly Ann (Gleason) Freed, whom he married on July 8, 1967; daughter Janet Lynn (Freed) Strate and her husband, Jim Strate Jr.; son Jerry Wayne Freed and his wife, Carmen Freed; grandsons Justin William Strate and wife Lexi, Jarred William Strate and wife Victoria, and Vann Carden Freed; granddaughter Vail Allison (Freed) Phipps and husband Braden; great-grandchildren Layton Strate, Jentry Strate, Graham Strate, and Leddy Strate; sister Judy (Freed) Babbit and husband Ron; and cousins Mary Taff and Robert Manley; brothers-in-law Phil Harrison and Doy Burchel; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; cousin Paul Manley; and sisters-in-law Sue Harrison and Pat Burchel.
James, known to many as Jim, Jimmy, or Doc, grew up in Oklahoma City. In his youth he was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout and played Little League football. He attended U.S. Grant High School from 1958 to 1962. After graduating, he went on to Oklahoma Christian College from 1962 to 1966, where he met Beverly. While at OCC, he served as the trainer for both the basketball and track teams. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma Medical School from 1966 to 1970 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his internship and residency at Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City from 1970–1973.
In September 1973, Jim joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. He served as a physician in the Air Force until September 1975. After completing his military service, he began his pediatric practice at the Chickasha Clinic, later known as Southern Plains Medical Center (SPMC). He also traveled to Anadarko and Tuttle to care for patients in those communities. Jim served as the Team Physician for the Oklahoma Christian College Men’s Basketball Team. His enthusiasm on the bench was so evident that opposing players often mistook him for the coach. He had a deep love for caring for children and for anyone needing medical guidance. His specialty in pediatrics was ADHD, and he also contributed to EPIC Medical Research as a researcher. Jim recently retired from SPMC and was honored for 50 years of service. Over his 55-year medical career, he cared for patients in more than 250,000 appointments. He was always willing to take a call or respond to a text from patients, friends, or family seeking medical advice. Jim’s faith was central to his life. Anyone who knew him knew he was a devoted Christian. After marrying, he and Beverly attended Southwest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, where Jim served as a Youth Director. They later attended the 16th & Pile Church of Christ in Clovis, NM, where he again served as Youth Director. Jim also served for multiple years as Camp Director for Camp Lu-Jo-Kismif, investing deeply in the spiritual growth and encouragement of young people. In Chickasha, they worshiped at Southern Oaks Church of Christ, where he served as an Elder. He became an Elder at Blanchard Church of Christ in 2017, where he was also active in Vacation Bible School. Most recently, Jim and Beverly were members of The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa. Another passion of Jim’s was Shorthorn cattle. Double J Ranch began in 1980 when his children, Janet and Jerry, started showing Shorthorns. Jim was deeply involved in the Oklahoma Shorthorn Association, serving in many Board of Director roles over the years.
In 2023, he received the OSA Lifetime Achievement Award. Nationally, he served on the American Shorthorn Association Board of Directors from 1990–1996, including terms as Vice President and President in 1996, and again from 2012–2018, serving as President in 2017–2018. He was also passionate about youth in agriculture and leadership and was active in the American Junior Shorthorn Association, assisting with numerous Junior National Shows as an office assistant and advisor. In 2024, the AJSA honored Jim and Beverly with a framed “official” red coat signed by many former junior board members they had supported over the years. Jim loved watching OU sports and sports in general. He never met a stranger and was a true social butterfly who thrived in the company of others. His deep faith in Christ guided every part of his life, and he consistently left a positive, uplifting influence on everyone he met. Whether through his words, his actions, or his compassion, Jim reflected the love of Jesus in the way he lived and served others.
Visitation will be held at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, OK, on Monday, December 15, from 4–7 p.m.
Memorial Services will take place at The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK, on Tuesday, December 16, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Junior Shorthorn Association Youth Development Fund in Jim’s name. Donations may be made online at https://www.shorthorn.org/about/sydf/ or https://pci.jotform.com/form/253424643283154 or mailed to: ASA 7607 NW Prairie View Rd Kansas City, MO 64151
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