James Edward Freytag Sr.

James Edward Freytag, Sr., 91, of Cleveland, TN passed peacefully on July 4, 2026 preceded by his loving wife, Barbara Ann Byrd Freytag, who passed on October 31, 2022. He was born to Judge Floyd Edward Freytag and Reba McDowell Freytag on August 30, 1934. He attended Tennessee Military Institute and Wartburg Central High School graduating from WCHS in 1951 to go on for a short time to Tennessee Tech University. He was married to Barbara Ann Byrd on October 16, 1953 and welcomed their only child, James Edward Freytag, Jr., in December of 1954. James spent a happy lifetime with Barbara up to her passing in 2022.

James (Jim) entered the work world at about age 12 working for his father and spending practically all of his time with the employed mechanics. According to his sister, Sara Goodman, he had a natural talent for taking things apart and putting them back together leading eventually to him having a brilliant mind for mechanics. His family resided in Clinton, TN where he worked as a Volunteer Fireman for the Clinton Fire Department and served as an active member in the TN National Guard. In 1966, he moved his family to Cleveland, TN as a newly hired TN State Trooper. He served in this capacity for close to 8 years. He then had a myriad of successful careers including Rolling Hills Golf Course Superintendent, J.L. Chancey Truck Leasing Supervisor and long-haul driver, MCI tour bus driver for BestWay, long-haul boat deliveries for Cleveland Boat Center, and as continuous chief repair mechanic for his son, Edward, and his grandson, Matthew.

Mr. Freytag is survived by his son, Edward Freytag and daughter-in-law, Joanna, his grandson, Matthew Edward Freytag and his wife, Kellie, two great-grandchildren, Anna Mae and Jackson Edward, extended family Jeanette and Mike Connolly, and a host of family members and friends that loved "Tag" dearly. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and his brother, Charles Lee Freytag.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in the Ridge Sanctuary of Companion Funeral & Cremation Service located at 2412 Georgetown Road in Cleveland, TN from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. A service celebrating his life will follow the visitation time at 4:00 PM officiated by Mr. Richie Stevenson.

The interment and commital service will follow in the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery where Mr. Freytag will be laid to rest with his beloved wife. Family and friends will serve as pallbeaers.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Mr. Freytag and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.