James Edward Diffenderfer

On December 25, 2020, James Edward Diffenderfer suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at the age of 61. He was born November 10, 1959 to parents Harry & Yvonne Diffenderfer in Salina, Kansas. As members of the U.S. Air Force family, the Diffenderfers lived in several states including Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, Hawaii and Arizona. Jim attended Tucson schools and spent his entire professional career serving the Tucson community.

Jim married Angela Ruth Allen in September of 1989. Together they had two children: Tyler James and Shelby Brooke. In 1994, Jim started his own painting company, Artistry in Paint, which he successfully owned and operated for 26 years. Jim had a tremendous love of sports, but he was especially devoted to the sports his children played: football, baseball and softball. Coach Diff coached with Tucson Pop Warner, Pantano Little League, Tanque Verde Little League, and Canyon View Little League.

A lifelong University of Michigan Wolverine fanatic, Jim loved saying “Go Blue” to anyone sporting a block M. In addition to sports, he had many other interests and hobbies, but his heart for others led him to one of his greatest passions: serving as a chaplain and leading a prison support group. Showing compassion, acceptance, and love is the very essence of who Jim was. God’s gifts of salvation and grace permeated Jim’s life and influenced everything he said and did. He loved people and wanted anyone he met to know God loved them and had a purpose for their life.

Jim is survived by his wife Angie, son Tyler (Tuesday), daughter Shelby, granddaughters Bethany and Grace, and brother Sam. He will lovingly be remembered by his sister-in-law Connie (Dan) Childress, brother-in-law Michael (Michele) Allen, seven nieces and nephews: Shawn (Robin), Shannah (Paul), Chris, Samuel, Michael (Stephani), Vanessa (Luke), Ryan, and nine great nieces and nephews: Philip, Rylin, Joshua, Mylah, Madison, Savannah, Mylie, Eden, Olivia, as well as many other beloved family members. Jim is preceded in death by his mom Yvonne, dad Harry, and his most faithful four-legged companion, Wesley.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 5 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, 8711 E. Speedway Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Tucson Gospel Rescue Mission in honor of James Edward Diffenderfer.