James P. Freese, age 88 of Stockton, IL, passed away on August 6, 2017 at his home. He was born on January 5, 1929 in Hazel Green, WI, the son of Ben and Hilda (Neis) Freese. He married Joanne Ricke on May 15, 1954. He served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953. Jim was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton for 58 years. Jim started his cheese making career in Menominee, IL and moved to Central City, IA where he was the head cheesmaker and manager. In 1959 Jim and his family moved to Stockton where he operated and managed Chelsea Cheese Company for 34 years, before his retirement in 1993. Even in his retirement he worked part time at Torkelson Cheese until 1999.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years Joanne of Stockton, children; Rick (Cindy) Freese of Pearl City, Daryl (Janet) Freese and Michael (Jill) Freese, Rhonda (Geoff) Perry, and son-in-law Don Kunz all of Stockton 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and three step great grandchildren, two brothers; Gerald (Karen) Freese, and Tyrone (Jean) Freese of East Dubuque, IL, sister Evonne Crim of Hannibal, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eugene Freese and daughter Deanna Kunz.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, IL.

A visitation will be from 9:00 until time of services on Thursday at the church.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Father Michael Morrisey will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton.

A memorial has been established in his memory.