James P. Freeman

February 22, 1922 - January 6, 2021

James was a loving husband of 60 years with wife Jeri, father of six children, grandfather of two and great grandfather of seven. He is survived by their children Mark, Pat and Ann, son-in-law Richard Brook, grandchildren Jim Brook and Jennifer (Patrick) Kelley as well as their children (great grandchildren). Born in Windber, PA in 1922, he served in the Aleutian Islands for the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1948 and earned a second degree in Geology from Wichita State University. He began his career with the Texas Company (Texaco) in Wichita, where he met and later married his secretary and lifetime sweetheart, Jeri Pritchard. After transferring to Tulsa in 1955, he eventually served for nearly 30 years as president of Tulsa-based Ceja Corporation, an independent oil & gas exploration company. A lover of all sports, Jim was an avid tennis player and founding member of Philcrest Hills Tennis Club in Tulsa, playing until nearly the age of 90. He was an ongoing collegiate sports fan, following TU and his alma mater Penn State. As a couple, Jim and his �dance partner' Jeri (aka �J&J') traveled often to Seattle, San Francisco and Chicago (where they became great fans of B.B. King and the blues). A cabin on Grand Lake served as a summer home for the couple and their children, where many holidays were enjoyed over a nearly 50-year period. A Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel (3612 E. 91st Street) on Monday, January 11 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12 in St. Mary's Church (1352 E. 48th Place, 74103). In lieu of flowers, please send donations directly to St. Mary�s School Education Fund. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, (918) 291-3500.