James Edward Freisen

James Edward Freisen, 85, passed away on September 10, 2022, at the Lantern of Saybrook in Ashtabula, Ohio.

He was born on January 12, 1937, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Fred J. and Dorothy (O’Brien) Freisen.

After graduating from Ursuline high school in 1955, Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for three years in the Guided Missile Brigade at Fort Bliss Texas before being honorably discharged.  Jim often told stories of driving a Jeep across the desert and going into Mexico for tacos!

On August 14, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Erie, Pennsylvania Jim married Elizabeth J. Ference.  Betty and Jim have shared 57 wonderful years of marriage blessed with children and grandchildren and together they have created a lifetime of cherished family memories.

Jim attended college at Youngstown State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1966.  After graduation he began a career in accounting with Eaton Corporation which took him to other states and away from his and Betty’s hometowns.  The experience he gained there led him back to northeast Ohio in 1974 when he started an enjoyable 29+ year career with the Ashtabula Rubber Company, retiring in 2003 as their Chief Accountant.

Jim enjoyed bowling and golf, but often sacrificed his own hobbies in favor of committing to 12 years of Catholic Education for all 5 children.  Also, Jim often played cards with co-workers on his lunch breaks.  In retirement, Jim looked forward to daily lunch and coffee out with Betty and their friends, famously asking each morning “Where are we going today?”  Jim made people laugh wherever he went with his spontaneous puns—until the very end joking with the nurses and caregivers  “I’m not from this country” Where are you from Jim? “I’m Euro-pee-an”.  He was a member of  I.M.A. (Institute of Management Accountants) and liked to plan their Christmas parties.   He loved animals, especially his two rescue cats "Tom" and "Jerry".  He was an avid fan of all the Cleveland sport’s teams and found joy in volunteering at his kid’s school functions at St. Joseph Elementary School and St. John High School.  Active at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Jim has always had a strong Catholic Faith and being a devoted member of his church was very important to him.  The only thing more important than his faith was his family.  Jim was such a proud and loving dad and grandpa; he and Betty always felt so blessed to have the family God gave them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty J. Freisen, his children: Gregory (Doris) Freisen, Christine (John) Faler, John (Anne) Freisen, Margaret (Mark) Rose and Katherine (Randy) Sposito; his grandchildren: Olivia Faler, Juliana Freisen, Jason Freisen, Hayley Rose and Christopher Sposito; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” McBride and his sister-in-law, Joan Dembrosky.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter in infancy, Julie Ann Freisen; and his brother, Fred “Fritz” P. Freisen.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 5:00p-7:00p at the Czup Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Funeral service to be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st Street Ashtabula.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to the St. John School or to the Alzheimer’s Association.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the following groups of caregivers and healthcare professionals:  Hospice of the Western Reserve, The Lantern of Saybrook, Comfort Keepers and ACMC’s Ashtabula Regional Home Health.  Your kindness and compassionate care will never be forgotten.