James “Jim” R. DeFir, 71, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life for 45-year, Patty Collins, his daughter Carolyn (Matthew) Hunter and Matthew (Sarah) DeFir, from his first marriage. Jim was the second born son to the late, Vance J. DeFir and Marie Thackrah DeFir, and older brother, the late Dennis DeFir. Surviving siblings are Tom DeFir, Mary Anne DeFir and Joanne DeFir-Webb.
Born June 24,1953 in Philadelphia, PA, Jim moved as an infant initially to Norfolk, due to his father’s duty station, Norfolk Naval Base and then settled in Aragona Village of Princess Anne County (Virginia Beach) in 1956 with his expanding family. A graduate from Princess Anne High School class of 1971, excelling in the Auto Tech courses to obtain training for a lifelong career in auto mechanics. A professional auto technician at Exxon and Great Neck Family Car Care, Jim was fondly known as “JD” to co-workers. A NASCAR enthusiast and avid hunter, Jim was everyone’s favorite neighbor, named the “mayor” of Raff Road, and will be deeply missed by many friends and family. A private Catholic Burial Service will be held in late June.
