James Freeman Rappe, a great soul and born again Christian, departed this life for his home in eternity on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from the NMMC Hospice Unit in Tupelo. He was 80 years old. Freeman was a lifelong Chickasaw Countian, born in Tupelo on December 2, l942 to the late James Robert Rappe, Jr. and Lillian Ogg Rappe Williams. He grew up in the Shake Rag area of Chickasaw County and graduated in l961 from Okolona High School. Always a man of deep American patriotism, Freeman joined the Mississippi National Guard and served 21 years, 4 months 20 day. He never apologized for the Flag of this nation and state and proudly flew the banner at his home. By trade, Freeman was a master journeyman butcher working in grocery stores including Kroger, Save A Lot, Turners and others all over Northeast Mississippi and the Delta area of Arkansas. None was better than Freeman in meat counters. His skills were highly sought and he trained many butchers in his many years, which will be a big part of his enduring legacy. Freeman was a active, faithful member of Faith Outreach Church in Okolona, where he was beloved. An outdoorsman, Freeman loved hunting and fishing. He was a practical jokester and clowned with everyone, especially his bride, Barbara. He had a radiant personality and never met a stranger. A devoted husband, dad and Pap Paw, he found great love and joy in his grandchildren.
A service, with military honors, celebrating his life will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Faith Outreach Church in Okolona with his longtime pastor, Bro. Jimmy Bryan, officiating. Burial will follow in Boone’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 AM Saturday at the Church and continue until service time. Holland Funeral Directors, Okolona is honored to be serving their friends.
Freeman is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Young Rappe of Okolona; his children, Kim Yarborough (Mike) of Sulligent, Al. , James F. “Jimmy” Rappe (Diane) and Missy Aldridge (Andrew) all of Okolona; his grandchildren, Stephanie Harrelson (james), Anthony Rea, Heather Fowlkes (Jake), Paige Fowlkes (Hunter), Jase Aldridge (Abby), Peyton Aldridge (Maddie) and Logan Yarborough; his great grandchildren, Gabby Moore (Conner), Elizabeth harrelson, Brayleight Leeth, Kinsley Pannel, Fisher Leeth and Carter Bagwell; his great great grandchildren, Riley, Maverick and Hudson; a sister, Judy Clark (Bobby) of Greenwood; a host of nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Freeman, aka “Bean Bean”. He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Anthony Fowlkes and Kayla Fowlkes.
Memorials may be made to Faith Outreach Church, 31312 County Line Road, Okolona, MS. 38860.
