James Quinn Freehill

James (Jim) Quinn Freehill, 82 of Streator passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at his home. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Winterrowd Funeral Home in Streator, with burial at Riverview Cemetery in Streator at a to-be-determined date.

Jim was born on August 16, 1942, in Durant, OK to Quintin and Loretta (Cline) Freehill.

He later moved to central Illinois and attended Melvin-Sibley Grade School (graduated 1957), Chatsworth High School (graduated 1960), Illinois State University (graduated 1967), and the University of Illinois (graduated 1974). Jim then moved to Streator where he spent the next 30+ years as an educator, coach and mentor within the Streator school system. His caring nature and servant’s heart positively impacted the students, athletes and colleagues he connected with throughout his life.

He was a passionate, lifelong sports fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Fighting Illini, and Streator Bulldogs, and enjoyed attending countless games with his family and friends. His love of sports included working for several years as a high school basketball referee and softball umpire.

His greatest accomplishment and sense of pride and joy was serving as a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He displayed genuine interest and care for those around him at all times, always serving as a source of support, encouragement and inspiration. He was dearly loved by all and will be incredibly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marcia (Dennis) Kaisner.

Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda (Lorey) Freehill; his children Michael (Lorene) Freehill of Eden Prairie, MN, Cara (John) Cima of Lakeland, FL, Adam (Dixie) Freehill of Springfield, IL, and Curt (Christina) Bowman of Streator; his grandchildren - Allison (Nolan), Olivia, Ashton, Hannah, Delaney, Tre, Reagan, Sawyer, Cassidy, and Crawford; one great-grandson, Archer; and a nephew, Eric (Angela) Kaisner.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Church of the Open Bible.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Lightways Hospice for their care and support.