Jungle's Final Flight
 

It is with great sadness that I bring the news of our dear friend Jungle’s passing. Captain George Freeman, III was one of our more creative and captivating writers, sharing his experiences, an occasional laugh, and through some spectacular photography, glimpses into his everyday life in his office at FL350. Captain Freeman’s final battle was with that demon that requires massive doses of chemotherapy. He fought it long and hard, and while there were times of promise, the strain was eventually just too much.

He died with his boots on.

Captain Freeman was a patriot and he loved his country, his family, and his passion for flying was his life. As both an MD-11 and 747 Captain for UPS, he spent the better part of his career flying by night in and out of Anchorage. He was able to share many of those memories with us on our photo section. And while the pictures he posted are no longer visible here on the board, for those of us who witnessed them all those years ago, they will never be lost from our mind’s eye. According to his Father, who brought me this sad news today, he enjoyed the time here on Airline Pilot Central and spoke of it often. He shall be missed.

I will be forwarding any condolences or thoughts you wish to share with his Father.

Godspeed Captain Freeman.

I’ll have a hard time ever seeing a picture of Hunter Thompson and not thinking of Jungle’s wit.

Tailwinds, Captain.

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au revoir mon ami
 

I was very privileged to call George a friend. I still remember our first interaction here on APC. It was a thread about Darfur. I started the thread looking for volunteer pilots to fly my non-existent DC-8 full of humanitarian supplies destined for the people in South Sudan. George explained that he thought I was a nut job. (I'm still that, George!).

We corresponded a lot outside of APC. He used to send me not just pictures, but albums of pictures, that he had taken over his life travelling here and there.

His last email to me was in July 2017. He said he would be in the hospital until August 15, the chemo went well, still very ill, but that was expected until the transplant.

I kept all his emails and pictures, and will hold them close till we meet again.

Godspeed, Jungle.

Fair winds and following seas Marine.

RIP, Jungle. While we never met, your intellect and wit was always evident here on APC. Condolences to family and friends....

Damn, that hits closer than I thought...fair weather and clear skies...

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obit...reeman-7776342

OBITUARY
George Kirby Freeman III


George K. Freeman III, age 62, passed away on February 27, 2018 in Raleigh, NC at home with his family. Born at the old Rex Hospital in Raleigh, he was raised in Goldsboro. As a child, George could hear the jet engines roaring at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and he would ask his Mother to take him to the airport to watch the planes take off and land. Later he flew with his Father and was always eager to take the controls and learn about the instruments. George graduated from Goldsboro High School and UNC-Chapel Hill. George entered the U. S. Marine Corps and earned the Gold Wings of a Naval Aviator and flew F-4 Phantoms. He later entered the U. S. Navy and trained pilots and air crew. After military service, George continued serving his country flying for the U.S. Government.

Following his public service, George flew for United Parcel Service, flying McDonnell Douglas and Boeing jets around the world. He retired in good standing as a Captain. In all, George logged over 15,000 hours of flight time.

George was very intelligent, very well read and possessed a quick and lively sense of humor.

In late 2016, George was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
He is survived by his parents: George K. Freeman, Jr. and Jane Lassiter Freeman; sister Mary Gail Freeman and brothers Thomas and James.

Services will be held Friday, March 9th at 11am in the St. Mary of the Angels Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church located at 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.