Charles Deffenbaugh

Charles Jennings Joseph "C.J." Deffenbaugh

CHILLICOTHE: Charles Jennings Joseph "C.J." Deffenbaugh, 28, of Chillicothe, died unexpectedly at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at his residence.

He was born April 23, 1985, at St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville, OH, to Stephen M. and Leah Wright Deffenbaugh of Chillicothe who survive.

Also surviving are a great uncle and aunt, Richard and Charlotte Barthelmes, of Marion; a great aunt, Mary Ann Strausbaugh, of Chillicothe; uncles and aunts, Joe and Sonia Deffenbaugh, of Chillicothe, Woody and Dianna Wright, of Wellston, Lori Bentley, of Jackson and Elaine and John Basaraba, of DeBary, FL; cousins, Adam Deffenbaugh, Heather Cunningham, Chris and Beau Wright, Patricia Davis, Kim Cann, Mandee Blankenship, Melissa Wright and Josh Bentley; loved cousins, Morgan and Paige Wright. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Ralph and Betty Deffenbaugh and Paul and Beatrice Wright; and an uncle, Rick "Roodle" Wright.

C.J. was a graduate of Chillicothe High School and Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School. He had also attended classes at OUC. C.J. was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He loved working for Easter Seals, loved his co-workers and was a compassionate caregiver. C.J. had also worked as an E.M.T. and Firefighter. He was an avid bodybuilder and had competed in several NOBA Competitions. C.J. was also involved in kickboxing and mixed martial arts at the Chillicothe Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. He loved animals especially his 2 cats, Razor and Baby. C.J. was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call at Ware's from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals, 1855 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 or to the Ross County Humane Society, 2308A Lick Run Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com