James Paul Freund, Sr., of Easton, PA died Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Cedarbrook, Fountain Hill, PA. Born July 28, 1933 in Mineola, NY, he was the son of the late Paul and Eloise (Ayers) Freund. He was a graduate of Bucknell University where he received a degree in Music Education with majors in French Horn and Voice. He also played French Horn for the Mobile, AL Symphony Orchestra and Vallaigo, CA Symphony Orchestra while serving in the US Air Force. James had been the Choir Director for churches including, Christ Lutheran Church, Milton, PA, Central Baptist Church, Woodbury, NJ and Palmer Moravian Church, Easton. He was Director of Choral Music and later Instrumental Music in the Woodbury, NJ public schools from 1961 to 1970. He was the Principal Horn and President of the Woodbury, NJ Symphony Orchestra and taught voice at the Woodbury Conservatory of Music. From 1970 to 1996 James was Director of Instrumental Music and Band Director at Palisades High School in Kintnersville, PA. He was also Principal Horn with the Musical Arts Chorus, the Easton Municipal Band and he played with the Liberty High School Alumni Band, Bethlehem. James had a lifelong love of the French Horn, classical guitar, singing, and photography and had been a member of several radio-controlled flying clubs, the most recent being the Lehigh Valley Radio Control Society in Easton.
He is survived by his children: Theresa A. Sostorecz (husband Kevin Pfingst) of High Bridge, NJ, David W. Freund of Deltona, FL, Robert C. Freund of Tamaqua, PA; a sister Marian Schillerstrom; and grandchildren: Reilly, Julia, Samantha, Sophie, and James. He was predeceased by his wife: Kay N. (Showers) Freund in 2017 and son: James P. Freund, Jr. in 2009.
Services are 10 AM Saturday (May 24) at Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, with a viewing from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Friday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment is in Forks Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Palisades Band Boosters at https://gofund.me/e9c74acf . Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
