James D. DeFrancesco "Jimmy D", 65, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on March 28, 2020, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Cremation has already taken place.

Jim was born April 20, 1954 in New Britain, CT to James L. and Rose (Criniti) DeFrancesco. He was a 1972 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and received a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University. After graduation, Jim accepted a position with Stanley, moving to the Kansas City, MO area to join their Black & Decker division. Jim spent his career in sales and as an estimator in locks and door hardware.  At the time of his passing, Jim worked as an estimator for Central Estimating Team of DH Pace, Olathe, KS

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose DeFrancesco; his grandparents, Frank and Adelaide DeFrancesco, and Salvatore and Catherine Criniti.

Jim leaves behind his life partner, Suzanna "Sue" V. Darby ; her children, Joshua and his wife, Megan and granddaughter, Kayla Grace of Mission KS; Leah and her fiancé, Michael Terwindt of New York, NY;  brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Laurie DeFrancesco of Shelton, CT , Robert "Bob" and Janet DeFrancesco of Berlin, CT; nieces, Katrina and her husband, Ryan DeChance of Hermosa Beach, CA, Samantha DeFrancesco; nephews, Jim DeFrancesco and Eric DeFrancesco, and his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

A very special person, Jim loved to cook, snow ski, fly fish, and traveling to new and different places. In the fall of 2019, he was especially happy to visit Calabria, Italy, the birthplace of his maternal ancestors.

He believed in taking care of others before himself. Everyone who knew Jim described him as caring, gentle, and kind. Along with his family, Jim will be especially missed by his lifelong friends in CT and his neighbors in Columbus Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com