James E. Defebaugh

James E. Defebaugh was a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1971-1982.

Defebaugh was born in Chicago on October 8, 1926 to Carl and Martha Defebaugh. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was a graduate of Knox College. Defebaugh later worked as an advertising consultant with the Campbell Ewald firm in Detroit, primarily working with Chevrolet and Procter & Gamble. Defebaugh married Lois on October 17, 1953; she died in the fall of 2013.

The chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party from 1968-1970, Defebaugh was elected to the House in 1970. During his tenure in the House, he was Republican whip and assistant floor leader. Defebaugh also served on the Michigan Bicentennial Commission, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on the Regulation of Financial Institutions, and the Interstate Cooperation Commission.

Defebaugh enjoyed history, particularly the Civil War and listening to Big Band music. With his wife, he also traveled to 21 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.