W.T. Shumake & Daughters

January 28, 1944 - February 12, 2026

James Marshall Freeman, 82, of Louisville, transitioned on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Visitation 10-11am Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 714 S. Shelby Street. Funeral to follow at 11am. Burial 11am Tuesday February 24, 2026.

James Marshall Freeman was born on January 28, 1944 in Shelbyville, Kentucky to the late David Freeman and Anna McElroy.

James attended and graduated from the Shelbyville Public School System.
After graduation, James pursued many paths of employment. He was employed as a Porter, Security Guard, Pharmacy Technician, and later retired as an Industrial Engineer for the Episcopal Church Home in Louisville, Kentucky.

Phyllis was the love of James' life. He fell deeply in love with her and took her hand in Holy Matrimony on June 22, 1998. James always told his friends how much he loved his wife, and in return James was her "knight in shining armor."

James was musically inclined, and learned to play his guitar by ear. He did not receive any formal guitar lessons and training, but was truly amazing when you heard him play the guitar.

James God given gift of playing the guitar took him to many places to spread his talent. He played for the Church of God of America, under the leadership of the late Clay K. Beasley, and for New Beginning Pentecostal Church, under Pastor William Beasley, Sr., both of Shelbyville, Kentucky. He also shared his gift of playing the guitar with the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, under Pastor Lennel McDaniel of Louisville, Kentucky.
In early years, James played for various Quartets throughout Michigan and Kentucky. He was also the lead Guitarist for the late Doug Miller.

Sadly, and with heavy hearts, James Marshall Freeman, departed this life on Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky at his home, with his loving wife by his side. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Minister Jennifer Freeman (Fiancee', Keith); special granddaughter, A'undreanna Stone; sons, David Freeman, Pastor Eric Freeman (Victoria) and Melvin Stone, Jr.; brother in-laws, William, Stephen, and Pastor Lennel McDaniel; sister in-laws, Joyce Mayes, Deborah Ross, Lois Davis and Minister Maxine Smith; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nephews, nieces; his Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and New Beginning Pentecostal Church families; other relatives and friends.

James was loved and will be greatly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ester Thomas.