James Freer

January 26,1940 - June 14, 2026

James Thomas Freer passed away peacefully in his home in Potsdam on the morning of June 14th under the compassionate care of his daughter, Carrie, and many extraordinary medical professionals with St. Lawrence Health and Rochester General Hospital. He was 86.

Jim is survived by his 3 children and their families: Carrie (Tom) French of Potsdam, NY; Jason (Kristie) Freer of Erie, PA; and Tim (Christina) Freer of Hamden, CT. He adored his grandchildren Daniel, Emma, Allison, Grace, Olivia, and Lauren, and gave them many memories to hold dear: He is also survived by two sisters and their families: Judy Sarles of Eau Claire, WI; and Sally Chermack of Chanhassen, MN. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Josephine “Jo” (Sells) Freer, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by parents, Thomas and Edna (Christensen) Freer of Hopkins, MN. Jim’s East Coast family is hoping the Minnesota home team will think of him each time a jar of pickled herring is shared - his favorite.

Jim was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1940. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1957 where he excelled on the high school track team and worked at a variety of odd jobs including in the caves of the Treasure Cave Blue Cheese Company. He attended St. Olaf College from 1957-1959, but took a break to serve in the US Army Reserves 324th ASA Battalion with an Honorable Discharge in 1965. In his later years, he enjoyed sharing stories of his time training in Missouri and Boston with any family member within earshot. Jim returned to school with the University of Minnesota to complete his B.A. in Political Science. He was an enthusiastic Gopher and Viking fan throughout his life, and he looked forward to watching the St. Olaf Christmas Festival each year on whichever TV channel was smart enough to air it.

After college, Jim was first employed with the Minneapolis- based Coast-To-Coast Hardware chain where he enjoyed managing his own stores. Seven years later he began his career with ALCOA in multiple sales and quality control roles that eventually brought him to Massena in 1979. Jim frequently spoke of the many wonderful friends he made throughout his time with ALCOA. He retired from ALCOA in 1999 after 31 years and moved to Potsdam with his wife to be closer to grandchildren. He also joined the Potsdam Town and Country Club where he found a place with a clever group of fun-loving golfers.

Jim married Josephine “Jo” Ellen Sells on July 22, 1967, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They considered themselves lucky to have a long marriage of playing bridge, traveling, and raising 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Together, they were very proud to have built and rebuilt their lives in the different cities ALCOA needed them.

A Mid-Westerner through and through, he was always kind-hearted, frugal with his treasures and social interactions, but endlessly warm and loving with those dearest to him. His family will remember him well for his sarcastic humor, love of well-seasoned food, and insistence that every family gathering have a group picture with members standing up straight (no leaning!). He was the cornerstone of our family and will be remembered with deep love and laughter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 17th, 2026 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam with a private burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, July 17th, 2026, 9:30am to 10:30am at Garner Funeral Service.In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to offer a gift of remembrance to consider a contribution to the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 700, Potsdam, NY 13676. Condolences for the Freer family can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.