Former Sandy resident James Erwin Freise, 70, died in Portland on December 5, 2012.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Sandy Funeral Home.
James was born November 29, 1942 in Portland to Pauline Ruth (Marvin) and Ferdinand Herman Otto Friese. He spent his childhood in Gresham and then later he and his mother moved to Sandy. James worked with his mother in the family owned diner taking orders, stocking soda, running the soft serve machine and occasionally washing dishes. His favorite pastime was listening to the old records he received when new ones were placed in the diner’s jukebox. Family members could hold up a record and James would tell them the song, the artist, and when it was released. Elvis Presley became his favorite. James also loved classic cars and demolition derbies.
James began receiving services from Eastco Diversified Services in 1977. He worked in the shop, was involved with supported employment, and spent a few years working at Eastco Screen Imprints. He lived with his mother until her death in 1996. He remained in the family home until 2006 when he moved into Willow Group Home and then eventually into Bush Street Group home.
Throughout life James enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, car shows, and crafting with his latch hook as well as a good doughnut now and then.
He is survived by his cousins, Ginger Ewing of Fairfield, CA, JoClayre Peters of Rochester, WA, Phil Thompson of Great Falls, MT, Lorrin Marvin of Kelso, WA, Gail Thames of Beaverton, Dayna Marvin of Gresham and Lucetta Walker of Yakima, WA. James was preceded in death by both parents and his sister Helen Rose Friese.