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1948 - 2008
Age: 59
FREEMAN, James Mike
Paw Paw
Mike passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008 with his wife, Denise son, Todd, and longtime family friend, Linda Burrous at his side. He was born on September 22, 1948 in St. Louis, MO the son of (the late) Helen Freeman and M. N. (Joyce) Freeman of Davenport, FL. Mike graduated from Mankato State College, Mankato, MN with a BS degree and received his MA in Political Science from Western Michigan University. Mike taught U. S. History and Government for thirty years at Dowagiac Union High School, retiring in 2000. He was an active member of the MEA-NEA and Kappa Delta Pi fraternity. On July 16, 1977, Mike was united in marriage to Denise(Simnick) Freeman. Together they have a dear devoted son, Todd who also survives. Family pets MacKenzie and Callie provided humor, pleasure and continuity especially during the past two years. Mike derived special joy from reading, dining, gardening, all things Irish and traveling. He delighted in good food sampling local cuisine while on vacation with his favorites being Malpeque oysters at Charlottetown, seafood casserole at Boothbay Harbor, and twin lobsters at St. Anns. Mikes love of history sparked multiple trips to Civil War sites. Many a cannon was photographed with Todd standing at attentiion beside it. His best times were those spent with Denise and Todd and the life they shared in their historic home in Paw Paw. An innate curiosity and dry sense of humor led to lively discussions with family and friends. Mike will be cherished by his loving family and stalwart friends. Surviving family also include sister, Judy (Ed) Galvin; step-sisters, Mary Freeman, Connie Liebsch, and Dawn Taylor; stepbrother, Keith Liebsch; sister-in-law, Penny (Dick) McNelllis; brother-in-laws, Jeff (Lori) Simnick, and Mike McNellis; special aunt, Carolyn (Miller) Herndon; adopted mom, Ruth Hill; nieces, Tracy and Jennifer; nephews, Chris, Arthur, Zachary, Tyler and Caleb; great-nephew, Bryce and other extended family members. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held on July 12th, 12:00 noon at Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw. Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association, Hospice of Southwest Michigan, Natiional Preservation Trust or the Nature Conservancy.
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There are currently 16 condolences.
TRUMAN WOOD
twood11@mac.com
Friday November 7, 2008 at
10:59 AM
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I knew Mike's father when the family was in Mankato. Mike was a good and faithful contributor to the Wood Scholarship fund and thus his helping hand is there for political science students at Minnesota State University for many years to come
Reta and I extend our sympathy to all who sorrow for Mike.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you. Amen.
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John Mohney
johnamohney@rocketmail.com
Thursday July 17, 2008 at
3:57 PM
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Hi Denise & Todd,
I remember a couple of things that Mike helped me with. He showed Barb & I the restaurant on Mackinac Island that served planked whitefish- it was the first time that I tried it. I enjoyed watching him talk with the girls in our West Wing about their American Girl dolls. The subject was Native American history. He was pleased that the girls asked him interesting questions. We'll miss him.
John
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Sunday July 13, 2008 at
4:18 PM
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/Users/dawntaylor/Pictures/Photo Booth/Time For Memory.webarchive
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Dawn Joy Liebsch Taylor
Sunday July 13, 2008 at
4:09 PM
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Who wrote only the good die young? Billy Joel? I think.
I've looked up to and will always admire, love my big brother (no pun intended) Mike.
Robert Burns was Irish as was James Michael Freeman, as was James Joyce.....they have a statue of him (James Joyce) in Dublin (Erin/Ireland) the locals call this statue the "Prick with the stick", why? I've been told Joyce was just that; a prick. My father-in-law who was also a Dubliner agreed.
George (my father-in-law) lived and raised his family in Rathgar, Dublin 6, (#13 Airfield Road) the same area Joyce was born. George never thought much of Brendon Bean either, another Irish writer.(George said he really wasn't that cleaver...George was a teacher, as was Mike, he expected more, understood when a person had so much more to give of themself).
I always wanted Mike, Denise and Todd to come to Ireland and meet George. Mike is a true Irishman in heart and soul....."The best spoken English is spoken by an educated Irishman"....so I've been told.
Mike's mother Helen and his grandmother Zelpha, his grandfather Bill are probably introducing him to Robert (Robby) Burns and then maybe the "prick"....what did Joyce write? Sorry...but come on, those who lived when he did bestowed this title upon him.
George used to tell his students that he watched Queen Victoria cross Baggot Street Bridge in her carriage. What? When did Queen Victoria live? Which queen of England made the owners of Muckross House, Killarney, Ireland install a fire escape prior to her visit?
I totally wore the wrong thing to Mike and Denise's wedding. Sorry Denise! Denise you are amazing and I love you.
Mike asked me to help watch over his father.
Mike was the sweetest example that could ever be of his father and mother. Teacher. (Jesus was a teacher).
Burns: The way you loved Denise
O, My Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my Luv's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.
As fair art thou,my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun !
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o'life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only luve,
And fare thee weel a while !
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile !
Robert Burns...For the way Mike loved his friends and was so willing to share and give of himself.
AULD LANG SYNE
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne !
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne ?
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup 0'kindness yet
For auld lang syne !
We twa hae run about the braces,
And pu'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae mornin sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
And here's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
And we'll take a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne !
Love you forever MIke!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Dawn
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Cathy Mullins
Saturday July 12, 2008 at
3:57 PM
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Who was Mike Freeman to me? Mike was an interesting,
intelligent , sensitive man with whom I became friends when we were both first year teachers. We have kept in touch for over thirty years. He was consistent in his admirable strong character, devoted to his wife and son, and a good man. Mike is a person I'll miss hearing from very much.
My heartfelt condolences to you, Denise and Todd, here on Earth. I'm sure he's already sharing that wonderful sense of humor which we all treasured in his new heavenly home.
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cathy mathews graf
cmathewsgraf@sbcglobal.net
Thursday July 10, 2008 at
12:22 AM
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I have so many memories of Mike Freeman from the years and years and years that he, my Mom, and Karla carpooled to school. I think he really got a kick out of the years that my Mom was stuck teaching gym. I can still hear him laughing about how she had the gym class doing a "walking" unit. Of course, I think he had a lot of fun with her parenting class, where one of the "babies" was abducted and his class "tried" the predator. Mike kept my Mom and Karla laughing with his dry sense of humor and I trust that they are laughing about old times now. My father and I have you in our thoughts.
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John Mohney
Wednesday July 9, 2008 at
6:33 PM
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The first time that I ate planked whitefish was during the Rural Librarians Conference at Mackinac Island, after Mike found a restaurant for us. I am still grateful for that. Also, I remember his talk about Native Americans at our Library with the little girls who had American Girl dolls on their laps. Mike was a good guy who really seemed to enjoy life. I miss talking with him.
Denise & Todd, I'm sorry for your loss.
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Mary Ann Freeman
Tuesday July 8, 2008 at
12:43 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you Denise and Todd. We have lost a husband, a father, a son, and a brother. Mike was a big brother that I looked up to. He definetly liked learning about the Civil War, eating good food, and gardening (which I am trying my hand at). Mike is in a better place and his memory will always remain with me. I will always be here for you Denise and Todd.
I love you!
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Alycia Peters
butterfly173173173@hotmail.com
Thursday July 3, 2008 at
6:11 PM
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Mr. Freeman and Mrs. Freeman were always very kind to me when I was younger and as I got older. They've been my neighbors since I was 1 and I loved playing with MacKenzie and rummaging through their garage full of books. I had a chance in June to talk to Mr. Freeman and he told me all about his son Todd and Todd's artistic talent. I even got to see some art by him. He will be missed.
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Teddi Kella-Fuller
Thursday July 3, 2008 at
2:07 PM
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I had Mr. Freeman when I was in high school over 23 years ago. I have a lot of memories of him. Of course at the time I did not appreciate his sincere love of what he was teaching or that I should have been paying more attention. I gave him a hard time in class. I remember vividly a time when he was so frustrated with me that he took me in the hall. He could barely get out what he wanted to say to me because was at his witts end with my behavior. (I liked to talk in class- alot.) Now I am a teacher and I have told the story many times to my students about how I behaved in class and how they should not be and to respect the teacher...I have had many students in my own classes who behave as I did. I give him and all of my former teachers a lot of credit for putting up with a hyper & extremely talkative teenager. Thinking back he was a funny guy that loved teaching students--even the ones who did not seem to want to pay attention. Having taught History I am still shocked at what I did retain from high school. Any adult I am sure NOW appreciates having him for a teacher! My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. It is a great loss.
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Angie (Williamson) Wilson
Tuesday July 1, 2008 at
1:07 PM
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Mr. Freeman was a very interesting and witty person, who truly loved the subject he taught. It made his class one that I looked forward to attending! My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
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Julie (Maxey) Bell
Monday June 30, 2008 at
7:09 PM
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Denise and Todd, while I did not know either of you, I did know Mr. Freeman. I was one of his World History students at DUHS. He gave me the only B+ of my high school career, which made me angry at the time, but as I got older and became a teacher myself, I realized how incredibly intelligent he was. He truly loved his subject matter, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to have him as a teacher. My thoughts are with you at this time.
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Bruce Steen
bsteen@dowagiacschools.org
Sunday June 29, 2008 at
7:43 PM
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Dear Denise and Todd,
Normally I did not look forward to fall. Going to work was just around the corner. One happy thought were the brussel sprouts that Mike would offer to me when I would bring my boat over to his barn for the long winter storage. Where will I ever get fresh brussel sprouts much less find someone who actually enjoyed them as much as I do. I'll miss Mike's stories of his ongoing battles and yearly wars descibed in great detail of him versus the Groundhogs. Generations of them! His tennis form was excellent. I truly admired the way his strokes looked. Mike extended an invitation to play tennis no more than a couple of weeks after having met him through my new teaching position in Dowagiac almost 30 years ago. I will truly miss you Mike, and hope you can raise hell in heaven with John Mead!
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Carolyn (Watkins) Miller Herndon
Friday June 27, 2008 at
10:05 PM
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Dear Denise, Todd and family,
What a kind, caring person Mike was-always so proud of his wife and son-as well he should have been. You were there for him-all the way. He will be missed by many. Please know my Love and Prayers are with you. Aunt Carolyn
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Mary Ann and Larry Bengtsson
Friday June 27, 2008 at
11:20 AM
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Denise and Todd, How very saddened Larry and I were at the loss of Mike. So many wonderful memories of Mike and we so enjoyed being a colleague of his. We are also thankful that Brian and Paul were students of his and benefited so much from his knowledge,and the love of what he taught. His family was very important to him as he spoke of both of you with such care and love in his voice. So many fun memories of Mike, especially his relationship with Sue and Karla as the "three musketeers" car pooled together. Their stories were so rich in fun and laughter. May God comfort you in your loss and bring only cherished memories of a truly gentle, good man. He loved and was loved. Mary Ann and Larry
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Rich Frantz
Thursday June 26, 2008 at
3:38 PM
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Denise and Todd,
Teri and I are deeply saddened by Mike's passing. He was an exceptional man of great intellectual acuity. Since his retirement, teaching at DUHS has been considerably less interesting. I will treasure the time he and I spent together discussing books, movies, and politics. He was also a great laugher. I don't know if there have been many people I have enjoyed laughing with as much as Mike.
I know he was a wonderful husband and gentle father. When he spoke of you two his voice would change --- almost excited. That is how much he loved you.
And we loved him.
Rich Frantz
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