James "Jimmy" Jay DeFrain

James “Jimmy” Jay DeFrain, 52, of Bloomsburg passed away at his home on June 27, 2026 after enduring a long battle with failing health. He was born on March 1, 1974 in Danville, a son of the late Frederick and Mary Lou (Young) DeFrain.

James enjoyed spending time with his companion dog Bear. He was also a avid hunter and fisherman. Jimmy was a lifetime member of at Espy Firehall, where you could always count on seeing him at the bingo hall or at the ring toss during the carnival days. He was a social member at the Eagle Hose Fire Company in Berwick where he enjoyed playing pool with his friends. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Upon graduating from CMAVTS in the build trades shop he started work on the maintenance crew at Central Columbia School District. He also worked at Tech Packaging in Salem Township until his health started declining. He also helped take care of his mother until her passing.

Surviving are his siblings RoseMary Swisher husband Jack of Bloomsburg, Randy Kessler wife Beth of Millville, brother-in-law Kavin Mowery of Mifflinville, sister-in-law Frances DeFrain of Bloomsburg, nieces and nephews David Mowery, Richard Mowery, Amber Kriner (Erik), Autumn Zanolini (Christopher), Helen Bagley, BillyJack Francis, Edward Francis, Diane, Shawn DeFrain, Sabrina (Billy) DeFrain, and Candice DeFrain. Along with many great and great-great-nephews and nieces.

James was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister Linda Mowery, step brother David DeFrain and Frederick DeFrain Jr., step-sister Patricia Francis and husband Edward, and a nephew Kevin Mowery.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Espy Fire Company. Burial will be held at Mifflinville Cemetery.

Family and friends may send condolences online to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com. The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Berwick.

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