James Lee "Jim" DeFreese, Sr., age 97, of Winston, Georgia, passed away February 24, 2017. He was born in Hiram, Georgia on December 29, 1919, the son of the late Carl Watson "C.W." DeFreese and the late Delia Shipp DeFreese. He was a 1937 graduate of Hiram High School and attended Young Harris College before transferring to the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. He later joined the United States Navy and served as an instructor during World War II. He would continue serving with the Naval Air Reserves for a total of 30 years. Jim had worked as a Field Deputy for the Department of Labor. He was a member of Liberty Christian Church in Temple, Georgia. Jim loved wood working and hand crafted boats, grandfather clocks, pulpits, furniture and more. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Ann Garrett; and his sister, Sara McDonald. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Viola Syble Lee DeFreese of Winston, Georgia; son: James Lee "Jimmy" DeFreese, Jr., and his wife, Vicki of Temple, Georgia; daughter: Sonya DeFreese and her companion, Larry Adams of Winston, Georgia; grandchildren: Donald Lee DeFreese, Lisa Thomas and her husband, Chris, and Tommy Farrell and his wife, Yuki; great grandchildren: Savannah DeFreese, Isabelle DeFreese, Marietta DeFreese, James Lee DeFreese, Lindsey Burgess, Tiffany Dickson, Conner Farrell, Lily Farrell, and Addison Farrell; great-great grandchildren: Bryson Cato and Barbara Burgess. Funeral Services will be conducted Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Hightower's Memorial Chapel in Douglasville with Minister Phillip Wynne and Minister Bill Gray officiating. Interment will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery with United States Navy providing military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, February 25, 2017, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.hightowersmemorial.com Hightower's Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements. 770-489-2818