James B. Freeman went to be with the Lord peacefully, he kissed one minute, then took his last breath Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the happy age of 99. He was born December 31, 1917 to the late Charlotte Bell and Sammuel Freeman. Affectionatley, James was known as "Chief" or "Freeman". He leaves behind his loving wife of 21 years, Leatrice; a son; a step son; three daughters; and one step daughter. James was the first Black Grade Detective in New York, NY, and in 1943-46 instituted the First Detective Youth Division in the city of New York. His dedication to law enforcement afforded him many opportunities to excel in his career, which included an appointment by the Chief of Detectives from 1948-53 to be assigned to the First City Wide Burglary Squad in New York. In 1960-1964 he was assigned to the Manhattan South Detective Borough Office with special assignments in homicide, recieving over twenty-five awards and citations for outstanding and exceptional police work. He was well respected by politicians, mafia members, entertainers and law enforcement officials from 1943-1964. He retired from the New York City Police Department as First Grade Detective.
Due to his outstanding service as the Assistant Chief Investigator for the Committee of Health, Education and Welfare for the United States Congress, he received an appointment in 1965-1968 to the Department of Public Saftey of the United States Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John District. He served as Chief of Detectives and instructed at the Police Academy in Narcotics, Burglary, Larceny Arson, Court Procedures, and Report Writing. New department rules and regulations, forms, and procedures were also instituted. While in the Virgin Islands, "Chief" was an associate and stockholder of Security Inc. Guard Service, consisting of over one hundred employees, which was later sold to Brinks Security after Chief left the island. Chief returned to the states in 1968-72 as the District Security Manager for J.C. Penney Company in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Chief continued to this day to attend the police reunions every December in the Virgin Islands. In 1972, came the Senior Field Representative for the state of New York Executive Department, Office of Welfare Inspector General. Responsible for the investigation, preparation and presentation of the complaint with proper evidence for prosecution to the appropriate District Attorney's Office, including all documents and briefs concerned with welfare fraud. In 1975, he continued his prestigious career at the United States Smithsonian Institution, Chief of Police, where he was responsible for the training all police personnel in the area of preventative security and procedures for the protection of over one million items valued at more than one billion dollars. He was also responsible for the supervision of over one thousand personnel, including the preparation of the budget for suppliers and payroll and the apprehension of perpetrators of all types of criminal activity for all property that was donated to the United States Government.
"Freeman", a name that would be known by the brothers and daughters of "Elkdom", joined the brotherhood in 1945 at Woodstock Lodge #1293, Bronx, New York. Freeman came to Columbus, Ohio and continued service with the Elks by becoming House Committee Chairman for Olentangy Lodge #521. He was also active with the Franklin Lodge #203. To further his commitment to the principles of "Elkdom", Freeman became a Charter Member of the Harvey A. Alston Sr. Lodge #1755, March 18, 1992. He has held several prestigious positions and currently served as the Esquire of Harvey Alston. His extensive background and years of service qualified him to serve as Grand Inspector and Chief of Operations for the Grand Lodge Security Department; Lt. General in Antlered Guard Department; Chief of Security for the Eastern Division of the Antlered Guard Department. Freeman is married to P.G.D.R. Leatrice M. Freeman. He truly exemplifies the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. 
Fraternal Affliations:
Elks Woodstock Lodge #1293, New York, Bronx, 1945
Elks Olentangy Lodge #521, Columbus, Ohio
Elks Franklin Lodge #203, Columbus, Ohio
Harvey A. Alston, Sr. Lodge #1755, Columbus, Ohio

Brother Freeman is a member of the units listed below:
Ohio State Association
Past Exhalted Rulers Council #11
Past State President Club
Past Grand Exhalted Ruler Council
Chief of Operations in the Grand Lodge Security Department
Lt. General in the Antlered Guard Department
Chief of Seurity for the Eastern Division Antlered Guard Division
Advisor to Ohio Brigade Commander, Lt. General Raymond Pheonix

Masonic Affiliation P.H.A.
Past Master, Mt. Moriah Lodge #107, New York, New York Life Membership
King David Consistory #3
Medina Temple #19

You may call on the family Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. at the Second Community Church, 311 South Highland Ave., Columbus, OH 43223. Internment to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.BURRELL FUNERAL SERVICES, of Zanesville, OH is serving the family.  

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