James Franklin Freeman

James (Jim) Franklin Freeman, 99, of Redding, CA, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026.

Jim was born on April 4, 1927 in Brawley, CA, to parents John and Mary Freeman. He attended Bell High School in Bell, CA, graduating mid year and then joined the Navy at 17 during WWII. He was stationed at Seal Beach loading ammunition. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Jim married Trudy Devlin in 1949 and then moved from Southern California to Shingletown in 1951. Jim worked as a lumberjack while living in Shingletown until 1959. He and Trudy then

moved to Redding with their 2 small children where Jim began his cement career in 1960. Jim worked as a Cement Contractor until retiring at the age of 65. He and Trudy then spent many happy years traveling with their RV group, the Vagabundos. Jim’s first favorite hobby was fishing and his second favorite was fishing, and so he especially enjoyed his time traveling to and fishing the lakes and rivers in Alaska and the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy. He is survived by his two children, Ginger (Mike), and Jim Jr. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Paul (Danielle), Miller (Renee), Taylor (Goldie), James (Megan) and Kelly (Jeremy); 13 great grandkids and 1 great great grandchild.

A Chapel and graveside service will be held for Jim at the VA Cemetery in Igo on Tuesday,

October 6 at 11:00 am.