Obituaries

James Douglas Freeman

Photo of James Douglas Freeman
James Douglas "Doug" Freeman, 94, of Sherwood, passed away on Monday, March 14th, 2022, after a short illness. The celebration of his life will be at 10 am Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the Central Arkansas Christian auditorium. Mike Harris will officiate the service. Doug was born in Johnson Station, Miss., on November 28, 1927. He finished high school in North Little Rock. Doug was married to Kathleen Sue Freeman (Riley) on December 16, 1944. They were married for 77 years. At his death, Doug and Kathleen had one of the 10 longest marriages in Arkansas. Doug worked as a manager for warehouse and distribution at Johnson and Johnson in North Little Rock for 36 years. He retired in 1986. After retirement, he worked as Director of Development for Central Arkansas Christian, and later worked part-time at a local funeral home and restored antique jukeboxes. Doug was a tireless advocate for Christian education with his crowning achievement in establishing Central Arkansas Christian Schools in 1971. He began CAC with dedication, determination, and a vision for a school in Central Arkansas that would value spiritual and academic excellence. He served as the Chairman of the Board for the first 15 years and remained an active board member until 2016 when he was granted Chairman Emeritus status. He was honored for founding the school at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in September 2021. Doug was a founding member of the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ and was an elder for more than 30 years. He was active in mission work and traveled to Russia, Belize, and Jamaica. A lifelong Razorback fan, Doug worked as an usher at War Memorial Stadium for nearly 50 years. In addition, he was involved in the community, including participation in Toastmasters, and was a former president of the Kiwanis Club and named a Kiwanian of the Year. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and his oldest son, George. He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen; three sons Larry (Darla), Steven, and Scott Freeman; daughter, Cindy (Terry); daughter-in-law, Julia Freeman; 12 grandchildren, Shelley Taylor (Chuck), Ashley Ward (Michael), Shelly Dunaway (Rick), Shannon Phillips (Tony), Brandy Irwin (Jason), Noah Beck (Treece), Adam Beck (Erin Baber), Wendy Beck, Hunter Beck, Chloe Freeman, Cassidy Freeman, and Shayla Freeman; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be made to Central Arkansas Christian School

Published March 16, 2022

Upcoming Events