UNION — James E. Freyenhagen, 83, died peacefully, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Sussman Hospice House in Rockport.

Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, Jim was the son of Clinton and Florence White Freyenhagen. Educated in Vermont, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served for over 20 years.

It was while he was in the Coast Guard that he got his nickname "Froggy", which has followed him throughout his life. Jim’s career would take him all over the United States, but it was while home on leave in Brattleboro that Jim had the good fortune of running into an old friend from high school, Patricia ‘Pat’ Bingham, whom he had dated a time or two. The rest as they say is history.

Jim and Pat were married on February 10, 1962 in their hometown of Brattleboro. Jim has since remarked that he actually picked Pat out when she was just 13 and would ride in her father’s truck to the filling station where Jim was pumping gas.

The pair moved to Portland where Jim was stationed, residing there for a few years. Their next adventure took them to Alaska and the family grew with the addition of children. The family returned to the East Coast in 1971 and settled in Union in 1973. Before retiring as a Chief Petty Office, Jim finished his career inspecting the local lighthouses of Maine.

After retiring from the Coast Guard, Jim began a second career as a truck driver. For many years he drove long-haul trips for Great Eastern Mussel, Hunt Brothers and others just to name a few.

During this time, he and his family also began Freyenhagen Farm on Wotton’s Mill Road in Union. This farm was and continues to be a staple in the area as a producer of maple syrup. He was well known at farmers’ markets in Rockland, Hallowell, Belfast and Orono. For many years he has also been a supporter of Maine Sugar Sunday, opening his farm and sugar shack to locals and visitors alike.

Known as ‘Farmer Jim’ to many of the local kids, he could tell a great story, and his family said those stories never changed. He told them word for word, over and over, and they loved nothing more than listening to them.

He was an avid outdoorsman, especially while he was stationed in Alaska. He always said he could have stayed in Alaska forever! Hunting, fishing, smoking the wild salmon he caught, and ice fishing were just some of the outdoor activities he enjoyed.

Always eager to stay in contact with his neighbors, Jim loved to go for drives. Even when he became wheelchair bound, he found a way to get into his truck and drive. He has spent many an hour sitting on his ramp and waving to passersby.

He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his wife, Pat, in 2016; his daughter Bonnie in 2007; Jim is survived by his children, Becky McMillan and her husband Paul of Lisbon Falls, James A. Freyenhagen and his wife Liz of Washington; his sisters, Audrey David of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Nancy Webb and her husband George of Huntington, Massachusetts; a grandson, Patrick Brown and his wife Keagan; a great-granddaughter, Rowan Claire Brown; as well as a special friend and farm protége, Mary Kinney and companion Devin Yaeger of Union.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland where a celebration of his life will be held immediately following at 11 a.m.; interment will follow at East Union Cemetery, Miller Road, Union.

To share a memory or condolence with the Freyenhagen family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.