Date of death: 03/14/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1971
James “Jim” Deffenbaugh, 79, passed away on March 14, 2025 at home in Fredericksburg, VA. He was a dedicated husband for almost 30 years to Elaine Deffenbaugh (Fink), who passed away in 2008.
Jim was a devoted father and grandfather and cherished family time, sharing his love of learning through trips to museums and zoos. He also enjoyed taking long walks and bike rides with his daughters and grandchildren. He loved books, learning, listening to music, playing the trumpet, and singing. Jim was a deeply spiritual man and served the church dutifully as an accomplished lector, member of the choir, and cantor. A devoted scholar with an academic mind, Jim served the College of William & Mary for more than 25 years as the Assistant Dean of Libraries, and closer to his retirement, Music Librarian. He was independent, kind, and always willing to help or offer sage advice when asked.
Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Emily Hewitt, Maria Burdan, Lisa Deffenbaugh Nguyen, Jim Burdan, and Vinh Nguyen; his sister, Leann Bowers (Tom); his brother, Joseph Deffenbaugh; and his beloved grandchildren, Grace Burdan (19), Liliana Burdan (17), Gabriel Nguyen (11), Emmett Nguyen (9), and Claire Burdan (7).