Submitted by: Dan Rich

James D. Freeman

Sept. 17, 1933 - July 20, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/22/2008
GRANGER - James D. "Jim" Freeman, 74, passed away at 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 20th, in Dujarie House at Holy Cross. James was born Sept. 17, 1933, in South Bend, to the late William and Ethel (Miller) Freeman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Philip Freeman. On May 15, 1954, in Michigan City, Jim married Melva Joyce Burns, who survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Susan F. (John) Pulliam of Seneca, SC; three sons, James D. (Timarie) Freeman Jr. of Plymouth, MI, Jeffrey B. (Angela) Freeman of Roswell, GA, Gregory S. (Robin) Marietta, GA; eight grandchildren, Tierney, Kyle, Emily, Bob, Lindsay and Anna Freeman, John Pulliam Jr. and Elizabeth Pulliam; and brothers, William Freeman Jr. of St. Louis, MO, and Jerry (Alice) Freeman, MD, of Littleton, CO.

Mr. Freeman was the Senior Vice President-Broadcast for Schurz Communications, Inc., a communications media holding company. Mr. Freeman was also the President and General Manager of the WSBT Stations in South Bend, Indiana. He began his broadcasting career at WSBT as a salesman in 1957 after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Marketing in August 1957. He served two years in the U.S. Army 1953 to 1955, one year in France, and was honorably discharged in October 1955. Jim Freeman held various management responsibilities at WSBT including Commercial Manager for Radio and Television, Local Sales Manager for Radio and Television, Assistant General Manger for Radio and Television, Television Station Manager, and in May 1989 was promoted to President and General Manager of the WSBT Stations. He also held the following positions past and present during his career: Member, Sales Advisory Committee of the Television Bureau of Advertising; Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County; Board of Directors, Indiana Broadcasters Association; President, Indiana Broadcasters Association; Board of Directors, Schurz Communications, Inc; Secretary, Schurz Foundation. In 1990 Mr. Freeman reinstated Explorer Post 324, which was in existence in the 60s and early 70s at WSBT. The explorer Post allows high school students an opportunity to learn and participate in radio and television broadcasting. WSBT is the only broadcasting company in Indiana to have a scouting program. In September 2000, Mr. Freeman became a 33rd degree Mason, the highest honor awarded in Freemasonry. Community and volunteer commitments: Indiana Broadcasters Association/President and Board of Directors; YMCA, South Bend/Chairman, Board of Directors; Crescent Realty Corporation/Vice President of Board of Directors; Schurz Foundation/Secretary; Television Bureau of Advertising/Sales Advisory Committee; South Bend Chamber of Commerce/Board of Directors; Madison Center/ Board of Directors; Private Industry Council/ Board of Directors; Four Lakes Country Club/ Board of Directors; Schurz Communications, Inc./ Board of Directors. Memberships included: Indiana Broadcast Pioneers; Clay United Methodist Church; St. Joseph Valley Masonic Lodge #45; South Bend Shrine Club; Scottish Rite, and in 2000 was awarded the highest honor awarded in Freemasonry, the 33rd degree; the Estero Country Club, Ft. Myers, FL; and the Morris Park Country Club.