James L Deg

DEERFIELD - James Leighton Deg, age 73, of Deerfield, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024.  He passed peacefully at UW Hospital and Clinics, surrounded by family, following a heart attack.

Jim was born on June 1, 1951, in Mandan, N.D., the son of Albert and Norma (Ding) Deg. He was raised in North Dakota where he graduated in the Class of 1969 from Mott Lincoln High School. Jim and DeLane “Del” were high school classmates who began dating after their first year in college. After he graduated from the Wahpeton School of Science, Jim entered the U.S. Air Force in September 1971, and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D.

Jim and Del were married on December 2, 1972. Six months later, he was stationed at Ramstein Air Force base in Germany where they worked and traveled for three years.  Upon his honorable discharge and moving back to the U.S., he became employed with Montana Dakota Utilities at the Lewis & Clark Power Plant in Sidney, Mont., for the next 34 years. There they raised their three sons, Dustin, Casey and Corey.

Jim had a massive heart attack in 1997, from which it took him 10 months to recover.  He was determined to get back to work, as he loved his job at the power plant.  In addition to attending to power plant operations, he took pride in keeping the plant neat and clean. His stroke in December 2010 forced him into retirement. Following the two medical events, he frequently told others, “I am a miracle!”  

Two years later, as God opened the doors, they made their move to Wisconsin to be closer to their sons in November 2012. In his pre-stroke years, he was a hard worker and always found something constructive to do. His vehicles were hand washed and waxed frequently whether they needed it or not. He helped with all of the household duties and especially loved to bake “for the kids” he’d say, but we’d find half the cake gone with everyone else saying they’d only had one piece. He had a sweet tooth that Del helped him control after his stroke when he could no longer help with food preparation.

Jim had quite the goofy side and loved to make people laugh.  He knew how to break the tension of a disagreement by making Del laugh.  We all hoped for a return of his humor after his stroke. Thankfully, we caught glimpses of that occasionally.

In the Fall, hunting deer or antelope was his passion.  He would sometimes hunt with a buddy or other times would sit in a tree by the river and enjoy the wildlife, always hoping some trophy horns would come by. He was often successful and would keep the horns and donate the rest to others, as his wife was no lover of venison.

Jim had a sideline janitorial job at church and used that opportunity to teach his young sons a work ethic.  He had them assist him with the incentive of a trip to the bakery for donuts and some allowance money.

Upon moving to Wisconsin, we learned of the UW Adapted Fitness program.  His love of working with the therapy students there on the University of Wisconsin campus for the last 11 years kept him motivated to work towards his fitness goals. That class and attending church were highlights of every week for him. He received so much love and support from our brothers and sisters in Christ at Calvary Gospel Church. He loved to give and receive hugs. He had a strong faith that inspired others, never complaining about his challenges, nor did he ever get discouraged. When we would face a challenge, he would always remind me that, “God will make a way when there seems to be no way.” An old song that he never forgot. He would frequently say, “God is with me.”

His determination brought him so far with the goal of walking without his cane one day.  And now he is doing just that…only on the Streets of Gold, completely healed. What joy for him to be in his eternal home for Christmas.   Though we miss him so much, we know we will see him again and we find happiness in knowing he is whole and healed, enjoying the presence of Jesus and loved ones.

James is survived by his wife, DeLane; sons, Dustin (Kimberly) Deg, Casey (Jennifer) Deg and Corey (Christina) Deg; sister, Linda (Carl) Lee; brother, David (Ann) Deg; grandchildren, Savannah, Landyn, Shiloh, Juliette, Nathaniel, Levi and Eden; step-grandchildren, Joselyn and Kaleb; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Ave., Madison, Wis., at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with military honors to follow. A visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420