James H. (Johnston) Freeman Sr., 71, was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio on January 9, 1943 to parents Zenas Oliver Johnston and Marceline Elizabeth (Turner)Johnston. After the death of his mother and the remarriage of his father, James was adopted by his aunt Brucie Richardson Freeman and her husband Emmett "Pop" Freeman. James was preceded in death by his birth parents, adoptive parents, brother, Zenas R. Johnston; sister, Sylvia Hamlin Johnston; aunt, Theresa L. Richardson Leavitt (Roland). James was educated in the Martins Ferry Public School System, and attended Steeple Valley, Central School and graduated form Martins Ferry High School in 1961. James was athletically inclined and played both basketball (played on the varsity team in his freshmen year) and football for Martins Ferry High School. James married his High School sweetheart, Madelyn (Vincent) on February 16, 1963 and to this union was born: Pamela Louise, James Harold Jr., Theresa Lee, and Marc Verner. In 1967,James enrolled in Mining Certification School and upon completion was employed by North American Coal Company in Powhattan, Ohio as a section mechanic, electrician and welder; R & F Coal, Glenco, Ohio as a mechanic, welder & electrician; and retired from Ormet Aluminum Mill Product Corporation Hannibal, Ohio as a welder and ingot stocker in 2001. During his 33 years of employment in the coal and aluminum industry, James was appointed Union Steward, ensuring that all employees were treated fairly and equitably in regards to grievances: fair treatment, working conditions, civil rights, wages etc. When not working, James's hobbies and other interests included restoring and driving high performance cars, and discussing politics and world affairs. He leaves to cherish his memory: a devoted wife, Madelyn (Vincent) of 51 years; daughter, Pamela L.Freeman Clark (John), Pittsburgh, PA; son, James H. Freeman Jr. (Rhonda), Martins Ferry, OH; daughter, Theresa L. Freeman (Jeff), Martins Ferry, OH; son, Marc Verner Freeman (Alicia), St. Clairsville, OH; granddaughter, Morgan Baker (Aaron), St. Clairsville, OH; great grand children, Kailee Adelle and Oaklynn Makelle; step brother, Larry Johnston, Philadelphia, PA; step sister, Charlotte Tony, Alliance, OH; mother-in-law, Juanita Vincent, Martins Ferry, OH; sister-in-law, Shirley Brown, St. Clairsville, OH; brother-in-law, Larry Vincent, St. Clairsville, OH; sister-in-law, Carole Vincent, St. Clairsville OH. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends and family will be received at Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH, Wednesday, 4-8 pm. Friends will also be received Thursday, October 16, 2014, from 12 pm until time of services at 1:00 pm at Emmanuel Tabernacle Church, 401 Broadway St., Martins Ferry with Bishop Eric Richardson officiating. Burial follows in Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.

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