Celebrating the life of
John K. Free
March 13, 1917 - April 19, 2009
John K. Free, of Savannah, GA, died Sunday, April 19 in an assisted living home in Carson, CA. John was born March 13, 1917 in Baltimore, MD and moved to Glen Cove, NY in 1963. He was 92.
John was the Business Manager and Traveling Secretary for the New York Jets Football Team from 1963 to 1980. He joined them when they were originally the New York Titans. He was the first employee hired by Coach Weeb Ewbank for the newly-formed New York Jets and quickly became Weeb's right-hand man. During the playing season, John managed the overall operations of Shea Stadium. He was also responsible for the charter travel, hotel and meal arrangements for the owners and players for all of his 17 years with the Jets. After their Super Bowl III victory in 1969, he was awarded a Super Bowl ring and was presented a key to New York City by Mayor Lindsay.
In 1947 John was awarded the WWII Victory medal for his military service.
In 1981 he and wife, Ruth, moved to Savannah, GA, where he indulged in his second favorite sport, golf. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth, in 1990, after 50 years of marriage.
John Free will be remembered for his dedication to the NY Jets association, his gift of storytelling and his enthusiasm for life.
Mr. Free is survived by his wife, Miriam Stevens of Savannah, GA, her children: Harry Margie, Stephanie Dave Cates, Tammy Toby Poston, Mike Stevens, and Miriam Darrell Irvin and 7 loving grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Brandt of Tallahassee, FL, her 10 children and many grandchildren. John leaves behind his cherished friends, Howard and Linda Goldberg of Torrance, CA.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Savannah, GA, 912-352-7200. A funeral mass will be said on Saturday, May 2, 1pm, at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Ave, Savannah, 31406, 912-355-1523.
Memorial donations can be sent to St James Catholic Church or to Celebrity Care Home, 233 W.234th St., Carson, CA, 90745, 310-830-8366.
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL
Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.John was a special person with lots of stories,He will be missed.
- Tom Mahoney and Tom Mahoney,111, Savannah, GA
What a delightful person John Free was. We will always remember him with his big smile and always an amusing comment! We met him through Miriam and her family. John came to our home on many occasions over the years & we always enjoyed his company. He will be missed. May God rest his soul.
- Sandi & Alan Beals, Savannah, GA
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JOHN WAS A VERY NICE AND CARING, LOVING INDIVIDUAL! BUT MOST OF ALL, HE WAS OUR FRIEND!!! WE NAMED HIM OUR SONS GODFATHER ALMOST 18 YEARS AGO. JOHN WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR MEMORIES AS SHALL YOU BE IN OUR PRAYERS.
- john and terri sansare, bloomingdale, GA
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.John was a special person with lots of stories,He will be missed.
- Tom Mahoney and Tom Mahoney,111, Savannah, GA
What a delightful person John Free was. We will always remember him with his big smile and always an amusing comment! We met him through Miriam and her family. John came to our home on many occasions over the years & we always enjoyed his company. He will be missed. May God rest his soul.
- Sandi & Alan Beals, Savannah, GA
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JOHN WAS A VERY NICE AND CARING, LOVING INDIVIDUAL! BUT MOST OF ALL, HE WAS OUR FRIEND!!! WE NAMED HIM OUR SONS GODFATHER ALMOST 18 YEARS AGO. JOHN WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR MEMORIES AS SHALL YOU BE IN OUR PRAYERS.
- john and terri sansare, bloomingdale, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
