Jim "Jimbo" Freiley

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jim Freiley (83) of Shawnee, Oklahoma, on October 6, 2025.Jim was born in Decatur, Texas on May 21,1942, to James and Anna Lee (Stewart) Freiley. He was one of thirteen children.

Jim’s family moved from Texas to California where he spent a good portion attending Exeter High School. He was a standout football player and an exceptional wrestler. He transferred to Roosevelt Union High School, Fresno, California, for his senior year where he graduated in 1961. After high school he took great pride in pursuing and becoming a Journeyman Electrician, and he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Jim belonged to Local 100 in Fresno, CA, Local 494 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and finished his career with Local 1141 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jim retired in 2004.

Jim spent 15 years of his life in Oconomowoc, WI. He was in a long-term relationship with Cheri Morris and during that time they welcomed their son, Tim Freiley. Cheri also had an 8-year-old son, Landon, who Jim helped raise as his own.

Jim moved to Oklahoma in 1989 where he married his soul mate, Earlie May, in 1990. Earlie May had four daughters. Sheila, Rhonda, Ardella and Paulette, who he became very close to. Jim and Earlie were married for an amazing 28 years, and they enjoyed many things together including their little hobby farm.

Jim was preceded in passing by his parents; 11 siblings; his beloved wife, Earlie May Freiley; stepdaughter, Sheila Ledford; and grandson Sean Freiley.

Jim is survived by sisters, Francis Wiley and Betty Brazil; son Tim Freiley (Jennifer); stepdaughters: Rhonda Smith (Ted), Ardella Armstrong (Royce), and Paulette Karcher (James); son-in-law, Joe Ledford (Sheila); 8 grandchildren;15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was one of a kind in many ways. All who knew and loved him will miss him tremendously.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and a memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.