James Edward Free was born July 8, 1937, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, the son of the late William Free and Pauline Prater.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked as a towboat deckhand, a job well suited to his hardworking and capable nature.

James was a remarkably talented carpenter who could build just about anything. He took great pride in working with his hands and created furniture and boats from scratch. His love of fishing made those boats especially meaningful, as he enjoyed building them and then putting them to use on the water. He was also a talented cook who took pride in preparing a good meal.

James also took great pride in his garden. He was known for always having one of the prettiest gardens around and enjoyed the time and care that went into planting, tending, and watching it grow. Whether he was working in his garden, building something in his shop, preparing a meal, or spending a day fishing, James found enjoyment in the simple things and took pride in doing things well.

On December 7, 1963, James was united in marriage to Frances Skelton. Together, they shared many years and made a life filled with family and memories until her passing on July 22, 2000.

Mr. Free departed this life on September 8, 2026, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, at the age of 89 years, 2 months.

He is survived by three daughters, Debbie Skimehorne and husband, David; Paula Cummings and husband, Tim; and Karen Thrasher; four grandchildren, Justin Russell, Adrian Bryan and companion Sarah, Caylee Cummings, and Caleb Cummings; two great grandchildren, Iva and Ian Bryan; and a brother, Eugene Free and wife Marion.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Free was preceded in death by his son, Randy Free; and a brother, Laverne Free.

James will be remembered as a hardworking, talented, and independent man who found satisfaction in creating things with his own hands and taking pride in the things he loved. From the boats and furniture he built to the garden he carefully tended, James had a way of putting his own time, talent, and care into everything he did. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, and simply staying busy, and those who knew him will remember the quiet pride he took in doing things his own way. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him.