Willis James Defreest Sr.

Willis James DeFreest, Sr. 74, resident of East Ridge passed away on Friday morning May 1, 2020 at a local healthcare facility. Jim was born in Albany NY to the late Harold and Carrie DeFreest.
He had been a resident of Tennessee for 7 years moving here from New York to be near his son Mike. Jim loved to sing and enjoyed singing with his Barber Shop singing group, “The Uncle Sam Quartet”. He also taught his wife Kay of 5 years how to sing and together they sung a duet at Country Tonite in Pigeon Forge and won the competition. Jim also enjoyed sneaking away from his apartment to catch a glimpse of his grandchildren playing ball at the local ball field. Singing in the local parades where his grandchildren cheered him on. Some of Jim’s favorite hobbies over the years included Dj’ing, spending summers on the lake with his children in their speed boat, cookouts with family and friends, attending flea markets while searching for treasures and he never passed up a chance to bring his oldest son Mikey to every state fair.
In addition to his wife Juanita Kay DeFreest he leaves behind his children to cherish his memory; Michael DeFreest (Jennifer), Leticia DeFreest, Willis James DeFreest, Jr. (Rebecca) and Michelle Contreras (Jose), grandchildren; Mariah, Alicia, Jordan, Paige, Ariana, Bailey, Austin, Hannah, Nathan, Hayley, Harley, Brenden and Brian, as well as 1 great granddaughter, Adeline, also, Kay’s children Michael Brown, Sharane Brown and Paul Blevins. As well as nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
A graveside service will be held for Jim at Lee Cemetery, South Lee Hwy, McDonald TN at 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2020.