James Hollis Freeman

Long time Bellingham labor and civic leader, James (Jim) Hollis Freeman, age 73, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on September 28, 2014, in Bellingham, WA of Lewy Body Dementia.

Born in Seattle on February 2, 1941, to Hollis and Victoria (Montgomery) Freeman, he graduated in 1959 from Lincoln High School (Tacoma). After joining Carpenter’s Local #470, attaining his journeyman’s card, and building houses in the Chambers Creek area, he transferred to Local #756 in Bellingham. Jim married Betsy Crippen in Tacoma on June 22, 1962.

As a Bellingham carpenter, he helped build Buchanan Towers and the Georgia Pacific Chlorine Plant. At age 28, he was elected Business Representative for Carpenter’s Local #756 where he spent the next 30 years. Jim devoted those 30 years to advocating and negotiating to/for the members of Carpenters Union #756. In addition he shared his talents on many Boards and Committees including WA State Council of Carpenters, Bellingham School District #501, Bellingham Technical Institute, Western Foundation, Whatcom County Planning Commission, Civil Service Commission, Puget Power Customer Council, St. Luke’s Hospital, and several Governor Citizen Advisory Committees.

Besides his kids and grandkids, Jim had two passions: fast, unique vehicles and golf. His vehicle passion began with his 1954 Chev and was completed with his 1989 ½ Mustang convertible (My 2nd JOY). Upon retirement he revisited his passion for golf. The guy “with the easy swing”, and “7” handicap, shared his time between the Lake Padden Seniors and Longbow (Mesa, AZ) courses for fourteen years.

Jim was a “people person”. Helping people gave him great satisfaction. There was always a “project” on his agenda. As a sports spectator, he enjoyed golf, Seahawk football, hockey, and March Madness. Jim continued to support his grandchildren in their endeavors. Trips to the beach to see the “critters” and pictures on the “Iron Rock” became an annual grandkid event.

Preceeded in death by his parents, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Betsy; three children, Liza (Chris) Perry, Cathy Corley, Rob (Tina) Freeman; grandchildren Cody, Garrick, Catherine, Kelsey, Kamryn, Angela, Rebecca, Hannah, his brother, George, and a host of adopted family and friends.

Thanks to Circle of Life and Mike, our Main Man, for caring for Jim so thoughtfully; to Adult Day Health for the years he was able to attend; to Hospice for their spectacular staff, including nurses Tracy, Anne and Michelle.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late Spring/early Summer, 2015, at Lake Padden Golf Course, with a 9-hole, best ball golf game, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Clubhouse. If interested, please contact Betsy @ 360-734-7583 or freeman_bj@comcast.net.

Donations may be made to Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Scholarship Fund, a tax deductible, not-for-profit: 25120 Pacific Hwy S, Suite 200, Kent, WA 98032.