James Eugene DeFazio
September 2, 1946 - February 13, 2023

James E DeFazio (Jim) died Feb. 13, 2023, in Fort Collins, Colo., killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle in Fort Collins. Jim was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio. Jim spent his first two years in 6th
Squadron then with 18th Squadron. While academics were not his passion, Jim did well and was able to do well as a member of the lacrosse team when it became a varsity sport in his second class year. After graduation, it was pilot training at Reese AFB, Texas, then to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam, flying C-123 missions in support of forward operating bases.

Jim and Sherry were married in Oxford, Ohio, in April of 1972. Later that year while he was at Kadena AB, his first son, Damian, was born. In 1973, Jim completed his Air Force commitment, and they embarked on amazing life experiences for the next 35 years in both the private and public sectors. In 1974, his second son, Adrian, was born while Jim was a labor negotiator as manager of the Central Kenturcky Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association in Lexington, Ky. In 1976, Jim became a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) working primarily on the organized crime squad. In 1984, he was transferred to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was the supervisor of 20 special agents covering southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia. After 10 years in Pittsburgh, Jim and Sherry were off to London, United Kingdom, where Jim was the assistant legal attaché until he retired in 1997. As the assistant legal attaché Jim worked closely with the Scotland Yard Fraud Squad and Special Branch, the Serious Fraud Office, and MI-6. He coordinated several investigations with agents in L.A., New York, Miami and Washington, D.C., of Russian organized crime figures laundering funds through banks in England and the Channel Islands to the U.S.

Jim and Sherry chose Fort Collins, Colo., as their final retirement destination. They shared many wonderful times with both sons and their families. Colorado offered many adventures in hiking, skiing, cycling which greatly enriched their lives.
Jim’s life was greatly affected by his time at the Academy and his time served in the Air Force. He was a natural leader with a winning smile and gregarious nature. His wonderful laugh was remembered by all. His brother, Bob, said that Jim lived his life like his hair was on fire. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sherry, sons Damian, Adrian and his wife, Heather, and five grandchildren.                                                                                                           (Written with love by Jim’s wife, Sherry.)

Obituary
Age 76, of Fort Collins, CO, died Monday, February 13, 2023, in Fort Collins, CO. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of John V. and Ann Louise (Antes) DeFazio. He was the third of eight children (Mike, John, Marianne, Rita, Nancy, Dan, Bob). Jim graduated from Hamilton Catholic High School in 1964. He received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, where he played lacrosse and graduated in 1968. After military academy graduation, he served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. Jim piloted the C-123 in support of forward operating bases (FOB) in his first tour, and the KC-135 in his second tour in support of bombing missions. After completing his Air Force commitment, he spent the next 35 years in both, public and private sectors. He also received his MBA from Wayne State University. In 1976, Jim became a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his twenty plus years in the FBI, he investigated organized crime, drug distribution, and money laundering to name a few. His final years in the FBI were in Scotland Yard, London England as Legal Attache', working on international crimes. After retirement from the FBI, he became an investigator for Wachovia National Bank (Wells Fargo) in the money laundering unit. In 1972, Jim married Sherry (Smith) DeFazio in Oxford, Ohio. They have two sons, Damian and Adrian (Heather), and five grandchildren (Aiden, Gianna, James Morgan, Annalina, and Sydney). Damian is a graduate of Notre Dame University and lives in Columbus, Ohio. Adrian is a graduate of New Mexico State University and lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2022, Jim and Sherry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family reunion in Crested Butte, CO. Jim was an avid cyclist, completing the Ride the Rockies multiple times. During their 50 years of marriage, Jim and Sherry traveled extensively in Europe and the United States, biking and hiking most of the National Parks. Jim could be seen frequently cycling the streets of greater Fort Collins. He was known for his warm smile, hearty laughter and upbeat demeanor. He was active locally serving as Vice President and of the Fort Collins Newcomers Alumni Association, where his wife Sherry serves as President. His presence will be sorely missed by anyone that knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado at a later date. Albert D. Hinkel with Charles C. Young Funeral Home in Ross, Ohio is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at:

www.charlesyoungfuneralhome.com

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved James E. DeFazio of Fort Collins, Colorado, born in Hamilton, Ohio, who passed away at the age of 76, on February 13, 2023. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of James E. DeFazio to show support.

He was loved and cherished by many people including: his parents, John V. DeFazio and Ann Louise DeFazio (Antes); his siblings, Mike, John, Marianne, Rita, Nancy, Dan and Bob; his wife Sherry DeFazio (Smith); his sons, Damian and Adrian (Heather); and his grandchildren, Aiden, Gianna, James Morgan, Annalina and Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Read Jim's Family Christmas letter here and his Spotlight on Classmates entry here.