Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
James Deffley Obituary
Memorial services for James (Jim) Francis Deffley, Jr., 69, of Cookeville, TN, will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 1 P.M. at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. The family has chosen cremation.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 11 A.M. until time of services.
He passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at his residence.
He was born January 15, 1952, in Woonsocket, RI, to the late James Francis Deffley, Sr. and Mary Catherine Dolan Deffley. On August 26, 1979, he was married to Carol J. Deffley, who survives. He worked as a purchasing manager.
Survivors include his Wife: Carol J. Deffley of Cookeville, TN; 2 Daughters: Christina (Edward) A. Laquerre of Cookeville, TN, and Jami (Edward) Barnsley of Fairview, TN; 2 Brothers: Michael (Christine) Deffley of Hope, RI, and William (Ann Marie) Deffley of Jamestown, RI; 1 Sister: Marybeth Winter of Alexandria, VA; 4 Grandchildren; and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross by contacting the funeral home.
Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 931-268-1550
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Deffley
Sponsored by Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, Inc..
Michael and Kathi Morris
July 26, 2021
Carol and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We'll treasure the happy memories and fun times we shared together (and there were many of them as you well know).
Prayers to all of you as you go through this difficult time. With deepest, heartfelt sympathy,
Michael and Kathi Morris
Montagna Family
July 23, 2021
So sorry for your loss
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Katherine (Kathy) Dolan Sipala
July 14, 2021
Jim was my cousin and we were very close growing up. The Dolans and Deffleys lived on White Parkway in North Smithfield, with our grandfather and great aunt also living in the neighborhood. It made for a wonderful childhood, filled with family closeness, fun times and great memories. I will remember Jimmy as the cousin who always ate the chocolate macaroon cookies that I made, even if they were burnt; the driver who picked me up to to go CYO meetings in the oversized family station wagon (he was President of the Northern RI CYO); the handsome guy with the great smile that many of my friends wanted to date (and he did go out with several of them!); the faithful son and grandson who was very proud of his Irish and Polish heritage and his good fortune to attend and graduate from LaSalle Academy and Providence College; the boat captain who sped around Great Island with all of us aboard; my "ride" to hockey games on Friday or Saturday nights; the cut up who sometimes landed in the principal's office at OLQM; the handyman who came to the rescue when my husband and I were new homeowners and immediately needed a roof that we could barely afford (that roof also leaked the next weekend but what did he know about chimney flashing?). Jim was witty and quick and loved a good time. We affectionately called him "Johnny" as he resembled his paternal grandfather with his story telling and occasional cigar. As we grew up and had our own families we weren't able to enjoy the same frequency of contact, but our "cousins parties" always brought us back together. I think I can speak for all the Dolans and Deffleys that we treasured those times together in our adult years, bringing back our childhood bonds. Jim was all about family, a trait that he displayed and lived through his commitment and devotion to Carol, Jamie, Chrissy and his grandchildren. My Dad had nicknames for his nephews, so I will close with a salute to "JD"....a good man who I have been blessed to call cousin. Until we meet again.....
Kim Knapton
July 12, 2021
Mike and Christine, I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Thinking of you and James´s wife and the whole family.
Kathy Cavanagh
July 12, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mario Pellegrino
July 12, 2021
Deffley family. Please accept my condolences on Jim´s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Coca-Cola in Providence. He was a gentleman and a heck of a a comedian. Always had our team laughing! May he Rest In Peace.
Robert Oster
July 12, 2021
Condolences to Jim's family. Lived next to my law officer years and we shared many conversations. A gentleman! God bless!
Lou DiFante LSA class of 1970
July 11, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Deffley family upon the loss of a truly wonderful man. Jim was a friend to many of us who had the great fortune to have known him for many years. The Heavenly gates will be wide open for him.
Bob Hayes
July 11, 2021
Carol, very sorry for your loss. Had many good times on Great Road. Jim was a special friend.
Tom Glavin, La La Salle Academy
July 11, 2021
My sincere sympathies to The Deffley Family on Jim´s passing.
We were classmates at La Salle Academy (1970) and kept in touch sporadically over the years.
This is sad news considering plans are underway to hold a "50+1" class reunion this October. I had hoped Jim would attend.
Jim´s name will be added to the Book of Prayers in the Christian Brothers Chapel at La Salle.
Live Jesus in our hearts.
Siblings
July 11, 2021
Jimmy was a loving, loyal brother and friend. He was generous with his time as a CYO and softball coach in Lincoln. He was a great story teller. A lifelong Rhode Islander Carol and Jim decided to move to Cookesville to spend their retirement with his family. You will be sorely missed by so many. RIP our dearest brother.
Stacey Deffley
July 10, 2021
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in James Deffley's name
Memorial Events
for James Deffley
Funeral services provided by:
Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, Inc.2131 S. Grundy Quarles Hwy. P.O. Box 398, Gainesboro, TN 38562-0398
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Deffley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
