James ("Jim") W. Defrese

J. W. (“Jim”) DeFrese, 83, passed away March 3, 2011.

Jim was born August 30, 1927 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, son of Ike and Bertha DeFrese. He is one of 8 children, two brothers and 5 sisters.

Jim survived the harsh climate and economic conditions of the Dust Bowl that engulfed Oklahoma. When he was old enough he joined the Army and was part of the Occupation Forces of Japan immediately after WWII. In 1949 he married Della Faye Morgan. In 1950 his only child, Jerry David, was born.

Jim was an almost lifetime employee of the MOPAC/Union Pacific Railroad. He worked 40 years before retiring as a conductor in 1989. In his time he was a successful gardener and throughout his life a devoted fan of University of Oklahoma football.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Bertha; father, Ike; two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Della; his son Jerry, his daughter-in-law, Jeannie; and his sisters, Wilma, Wanda and Donna.

Celebration of Life Services will be Monday, March 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Providence Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Taylor City Cemetery.