Joseph "Joe" James Freifeld

Joseph “Joe” James Freifeld, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 25, 2025, at the age of 61.

The youngest of five, he was born in Hampton, Virginia, to Noreen and John Freifeld. When Joe was just a few months old, the family moved to Wiesbaden, Germany, for several years and then ultimately settled in Austin, Texas. This is where Joe acquired his love for motorcycles, Tex-Mex, and Texas BBQ. At the age of 18, Joe followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Upper Heyford, England until he was medically discharged after being injured in a training exercise.

Joe relocated to Winston-Salem in the mid-90s to work for Wachovia Bank as an IT specialist. His division was sold to US Bank, where he continued his career as an IT project manager until his early retirement. Joe was smart and ambitious from the very beginning and always had a drive in him to learn, resulting in his great success. Joe was also an entrepreneur at heart, always looking for an opportunity to own a business from online retail to photography.

Joe’s greatest happiness came from spending time with his family and closest friends. He thoroughly enjoyed firing up his smoker, staying up all night smoking a brisket and a cigarette, talking to his wife or daughter. He loved hosting small gatherings for neighbors and friends to enjoy whatever he was cooking.

The most important characteristic he had in himself, and valued in others, was loyalty. He would always be there for his family, blood or not, no matter what time or day; family had each other’s back. He loved catching the beauty of earth and people closest to him on camera; he loved the thrill of casinos, especially Vegas – it was his happy place. He had a lucky streak throughout his life in the casino where he would be surrounded by his wife, his best friend Dan, and daughter and sons to witness his luck. But the grandest jackpot he won was the jackpot of the world he created around him. He was a man who had a life full of luck and many chances at life. He used those chances to the fullest, and he fought like a warrior. Joe had resolve like no other; he was the definition of strength and unbreakable spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dee White; and his brother, John Freifeld.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 20 years, Anna Freifeld; his children Matthew Breaux (Bree) of Lake Charles, LA, Jonathan Freifeld of Colorado Springs, CO and the apple of his eye, Kassandra Ziegenfus (Alex) of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren Parker, Felix and Ella; his sisters, Diane Gunter (Terry) of Max Meadows, VA, and Debra Griffiths of Canyon Lake TX; mother-in-law Ottilia Papp of Winston-Salem NC , sister in-law Kristi Bush of St Thomas USVI; Jonathan and Kassandra’s mother, Judy Freifeld of Winston-Salem NC; and his best friend of 45 years, Dan McGehee of Kyle TX.

Joe will be remembered most for his passion for life, generosity, resilience, and fierce love for his family and friends. He was the strongest, most driven person anyone could have met, and his legacy will live on in the people who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.