James E. Defebaugh III
Died Oct. 16, 2014
TRAVERSE CITY — James Elliott Defebaugh III, 88, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014. Jim was born Oct. 8, 1926, to the late Carl and Martha (Barker) Defebaugh in Chicago.
Jim graduated from Knox College and spent the first half of his career in advertising with the Campel Ewald agency in Detroit, primarily on the Chevrolet and Proctor & Gamble accounts. Jim moved on to public service for the latter half of his career, being elected and serving several terms as a state legislator in the Michigan House of Representatives, including in a leadership role as the House Minority Whip for his last couple of terms.
Jim's wife, Lois, passed away last fall. They enjoyed a wonderful 60 years together, having been married on Oct. 17, 1953. Together they had three children. They enjoyed living in Chicago, Cincinnati and Birmingham before retiring in 1991 to the Traverse City area.
Jim's true passions in life were history (primarily the Civil War) and the music of the big band era. Jim also enjoyed attending the annual Shakespeare Festival with Lois and traveling together to 21 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Lynne De Bruin, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Jean (Philip) Ropp, of Alma; his son, James (Kristina Maritczak) Defebaugh, of Tacoma, Washington; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at 11 a.m., with a visitation held one hour prior, at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Jim's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .