James Freeman
Jan 8,1951 – February 10, 2026

It is with loving memory that we share the passing of James Frederick Freeman.

Jim was born on January 8, 1951, in Camrose, Alberta. He was the second son of Fred and Madeline Freeman, alongside brothers Chuck and Pat, and sisters Katherin, Jody, and MaryAnne. The family lived briefly in Fort St. John, BC, before settling in the Olds/Torrington area of Alberta. Jim loved spending time with his grandmother, Rose, in Camrose.

Jim married Peggy Hodge in 1978 in Drumheller, where they began their family. He was the proud father of oldest daughter Natasha (Steve) Webb, grandchildren Emma and Erika; daughter Melissa (Denver) Hoff, grandchildren Jet, Harlow, and Sterling; and son Kobie (Crystal) Freeman. For many years, he spent countless hours in ice rinks, rodeo arenas, and on golf courses with his children.

Jim began working in the trades with the City of Calgary Electrical Division. He worked on drilling rigs for a time before attending Red Deer College to study business. That path led him to become a franchise holder for Daines Western Wear. He later owned and managed stores in Olds and Hanna under the name Freeman’s Western Wear. The Olds store became a gathering place for many of Canada’s professional cowboys — filled with laughter, stories, and lasting friendships.

Jim began his professional rodeo career as a bull rider and was named CPRA Rookie of the Year in 1973. At the first Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in 1974, he was crowned Canadian Bull Riding Champion. One of the highlights of his career was scoring 92 points on Weatherly’s bull “Homer” at the Calgary Stampede — the first rider there to break into the 90s. Another standout ride was a 93-point performance on Vold’s #22 at the Bruce Stampede. Jim won the Central Circuit Bull Riding title in 1975 and the Southern Circuit title in 1976. He also placed second in the Canada vs. USA Challenge in Wolf Point, Montana.

After a successful bull riding career, Jim recognized the toll it was taking on his body and partnered with his parents to form Rocky Mountain Livestock. They stood a stallion — a son of “Peppy San” named “Fish Lake” — and acquired several exceptional broodmares.

During this time, Jim stepped away from the stores and began instructing at Olds College — first as Rodeo Technician and Arena Manager, eventually becoming Farm Manager before leaving to become a managing partner of Great West Livestock alongside longtime cutting horse friend and businessman, Mike Prew. Jim later retired.

Additional highlights of Jim’s rodeo career include:
• 1982 – Awarded the CN Woodward Cowboy of the Year
• 1978–1982 – Served on the Board of Directors of the CPRA as Director of Marketing
• 1981, 1983, 1986 – Served as a judge at the CFR
• 1988 – Awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada for his contributions in helping make the 1988 Olympic Rodeo a reality
• 2015 – Inducted into the CPRA Hall of Fame for his contributions both in and out of the rodeo arena — an honor he shared alongside friends the Andrews and Martinsons
• 2018–2021 – President of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame

Jim was also recognized for his leadership in initiating the search for a missing aircraft alongside friends Gary Logan, Brian Claypool, Calvin Bunny, and Lee Coleman.

Jim was a passionate cutting horse enthusiast. The first horse he showed was a filly he raised and trained himself, sired by his and Peggy’s stallion, Fish Lake. He found success with her in both the Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association and the Alberta Cutting Horse Association. With his final horse, “Reyligious,” they won the 2015 Canadian Supreme. Jim was an exceptional horseman who understood horses deeply and had a rare ability to bring out their best.

In Jim’s final years, his mobility was greatly challenged, but if you visited him, you could be sure The Cowboy Channel was playing on the television. He never went anywhere without his beloved dog, “Cowboy.” He cherished evenings out for supper with Kobie and Crystal, as well as time spent sighting in rifles, hunting, and burning brush piles together.

He also loved visiting Melissa and Denver to help work cattle and horses, and to spend time with his granddaughters. Jim was incredibly proud of Jet, Harlow, and Sterling, who are becoming accomplished horsewomen like their Grampa and their mother. He also loved hearing about their lives beyond the arena — dance, volleyball, and school.

Jim will be deeply missed as a father, brother, Grampa, friend, and mentor. A true cowboy legend, he now rides free on the open range.

Rest in peace, Jim.

Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cow Palace, Olds.

Family and friends are invited to leave their memories and stories on the Heartland Funeral Services webpage to honor James and support his family during this time. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2026-02-27
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Olds) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610