John Markham "Jack" Freese, Sr. passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his two sons and wife - the ones who loved him most - at 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning, November 20, 2021.

Born February 12, 1928 at St. John Hospital in Tulsa, Jack was a third generation Tulsan, son of Dorothy Markham Freese and Manuel Lloyd Freese. He grew up during the burgeoning oil industry in Oklahoma that earlier lured his grandparents from Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. to ultimately plant their roots in Tulsa to live, prosper, and give back generously. Among the family's many philanthropic gifts to the Tulsa community was the donation of the original plot of land by his grandparents Maudie and John H. Markham, Jr. for the construction of Cascia Hall Preparatory School.

Fiercely proud of his family heritage, he repeatedly shared his familial ancestry with his two sons, determined that they know and appreciate their predecessors who set the path for their own lives. He particularly delighted in his Irish and Danish roots, often joking in an Irish brogue, and sometimes donning a Viking horned war helmet at inappropriate times.

After primary and grade school at Holland Hall and Marquette, he attended Cascia Hall, where he graduated in 1944. He played football through all grades, was the editor of the school's first printed year book, and was the class valedictorian. He attended Notre Dame University at the age of 16 for his first two years of college, then transferred to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, then to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a degree in English followed by his Bachelor of Law degree. He took and passed his legal bar exam while still in law school. He was admitted to practice law in 1950, and certified to present in front of the United States Supreme Court in 1954. Jack ran for State Legislature while still in law school, losing by just over 100 votes.

He joined the firm of Bradford, March and Trippett at the age of 20, where he worked for five years before opening his own law firm. He formed a few partnerships during his over seven-decade career, the longest being his first and only employer, Charles "Chuck" March. The volume and variety of cases and legal matters Jack took on over the years was staggering, often representing people who were passed over by other firms. He took his client representation personally, assuming a ferociously protective attitude that earned him the undying respect and loyalty of his clients. He earned a reputation among his peers as a formidable courtroom litigator whose cunning, highly detailed preparation, and sometimes confounding style of argument frustrated the opposing attorneys and garnered a very high number of case wins. His peers also knew him as a fierce opponent who would be invariably gracious and collegial after the battle was over. He earned and maintained throughout his career a A.V. rating from the American Bar Association - the highest rating for an attorney.

Jack's generous, caring spirit and fatherly demeanor facilitated the development of many close and enduring friendships with his clients, who became extended family to him. Many such client friends were often invited to holiday meals and family events, and were always welcomed with open arms and hearts.

He kept working full time on behalf of his clients until he could no longer, logging in 73 years in the continuous practice of law, the longest in Oklahoma history.

His civic engagement and donation of time to various boards, committees, and organizations was extensive, including the Tulsa County Bar Association in various capacities, notably on the Fee Arbitration Committee; the Oklahoma Bar Association on various committees including the Judiciary Committee of the Legislative Council; as sole creator of the Tulsa Junior College (now Tulsa Community College) Paralegal Program; the board of the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS); and eight years on the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board, appointed by Gov. David Walters.

He was a longtime member of Southern Hills Country Club, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Gilcrease Museum. The organization closest to his heart was the Rotary Club, Sunrise Chapter. He served in Rotary for over 20 years in many capacities, including the Committee for Grant Applications, as well as many officer capacities including President, and facilitator of New Member Training, which he particularly enjoyed. He and Patty, the love of his life for 44 years, reveled in hosting new members in training with lavish meals at their home.

Jack was a devoted Catholic whose faith gave him strength, wisdom, and peace. He spoke often of his abiding faith, and gently proselytized to friends, sometimes inviting them to join him and Patty at church, sweetening the deal with an offer to buy a hearty breakfast afterwards. He and Patty were longtime active members of Christ the King Church.

He was a gentleman in the classic sense of the word, always considerate of others and at all times displaying meticulous manners. He was also a clown with a raucous sense of humor. He delighted in shocking those around him with his slightly off-color remarks, having little concern for political correctness and never suffering fools, while never displaying disrespect for others.

Jack was also musical, and a talented drummer. He took up drumming as a child, which surely tested the patience of his very refined parents. He was on the Notre Dame Marching Band for two years, which required showing up at all football games and other athletic events and marching in perfect time in heavy, stiff uniforms and uncomfortable shoes while playing music - in his estimation, every bit as difficult as actually playing football. Most notably, he was the drummer in the Rare Bach and Let'em Have it Boys Dixieland band - a group of Tulsa businessmen who met regularly after work, loosened their ties, and cut loose for lively jam sessions. He loved it. They made two albums in the 1960's, and even played with the Tulsa Philharmonic.

Jack Freese worked hard, lived large, loved much, laughed often, soaked up the awesome beauty of life, devoted himself to God, to his family, and to the service to others. He was a source of counsel and wisdom to many. Jack Freese was a man for all seasons.

He is survived by Patricia Ann "Patty" Freese, his loving wife of 44 years, sons John Markham Freese, Jr., and Brian Lloyd Freese and wife Judy Fox Freese, and the family of Sheila Riley Dixon, his only cousin.

A rosary service will be held on Friday, November 26, 4:00 p.m. at St. Rita Chapel at Cascia Hall Preparatory School, 2520 South Yorktown Avenue, Tulsa. There will be an opportunity for clients and friends to share their unforgettable stories about Jack, which he would love. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 27, 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 1520 South Rockford Avenue, Tulsa.

You may honor the memory of Jack Freese by donating in his name to any of the following charitable organizations: Rotary Club Foundation, Cascia Hall Preparatory School Foundation, or the Tulsa Humane Society.


Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151