James F. Coach Deffley

James F. "Coach" Deffley, 90, of Narragansett, passed away Sunday April 30th. He was the beloved husband of Mary C. (Dolan) Deffley, for 67 years. Born and raised in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late John, Sr. and Johanna (Spas) Deffley. Jim attended La Salle Academy from 1941-1944 where he played basketball for 3 years, football for 3 years, where he served as Captain and was selected All-State, and track for 2 years. After graduating La Salle, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Infantryman with the 45th Division in Europe. He served under General George Patton during The Battle of the Bulge. After returning from the war, he entered Holy Cross College in September of 1946. He was a member of the Holy Cross football team. He started at center and Linebacker and was named to the All New England Team in 1947, 1948, and 1949, as well as All East and All American Teams. He married his beloved wife Mary in 1950, after graduating from Holy Cross. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, but due to chronic knee pain, he decided against playing for them. Mr. Deffley moved to Newburyport, MA and became an assistant football coach earning 6-3 record. From 1953 -1971, he became a teacher and coach at East Providence High School and compiling a 121-32-8 record, as well as 3 undefeated seasons and 5 state championships. During his teaching career at East Providence, he earned two Master’s degrees, one from Rhode Island College and another from the University of Rhode Island. He was a member of the Holy Cross Varsity Club and was inducted into the Rhode Island Coaches Hall of Fame, and the La Salle Academy Hall of Fame. From 1970-1977, he went into private business with Kay Dee Handprints. During this time, he assisted the legendary Jack Cronin at La Salle. He later returned to coaching at Cumberland High School for six seasons and ended with a record of 47-12-1. He retired in 1988 and dedicated his time to attending sporting events of his grandchildren as well as first communions and confirmations. Besides his wife, he is survived by four children, James Deffley, Jr and his wife Carol, Michael Deffley and his wife Christine, William Deffley and his wife Ann, and Mary Beth Winter; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He was the grandfather of the late Mark Deffley and brother of the late John Deffley, Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Friday in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett, RI 02882 or La Salle Academy, 612 Academy Ave, Providence, RI 02908.