Clarence "Jim" James Freese

Clarence James Freese “Jim”, 78, peacefully passed away at his home on March 15, 2017. He was a brave soul throughout a very lengthy illness. He was born on September 16, 1938 to parents Clarence and Agnes Freese in Bozeman, MT. As a boy, Jim lived up Bridger Canyon and some of his fondest memories were racing around on his horse with his friend Charlie Papke. Jim attended lower Bridger School and later his family moved to Bozeman where he attended Holy Rosary and then Gallatin County High School.



On June 16, 1968, he married Darlene Raisl in Glendive and together they raised three children: daughter Kelly Freese (Mitch Burch), sons Craig Freese (Jenny), and Brandon Freese (Crissy). He also had another daughter from a previous marriage, Lisa Pomeroy Smith Foshee (Phil) who live in Woodenville, WA. His surviving sisters were Sharon Westphal of Bozeman and Pat Obergewitch (Omer) of Manhattan.



Jim loved to watch his grandchildren: Jaiden, Madison Wardell, Aaron Wardell, Hayden, Kelsey, Rachel, Addison, and Claire. He had numerous nieces and nephews. Hunting and fishing were passions throughout his life. He took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren what he knew.



Jim was preceded in death by his parents, niece Kerry, nephew Greg, and cousin Ken.



A Memorial Service for Jim will be held at 6:00 p.m. March 22nd, 2017 at the River Church Chapel.