David Lee DeLuca Jr. of St. James, Missouri was born June 16, 1957 in Elgin, Illinois to David Lee and Joy Jean (Jackson) DeLuca Sr. and passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the age of 68 years.
He married Mary Jo “Jody” Heflin on June 17, 1978 at the St. James Christian Church in St. James, Missouri.
David and Jody met at the local Creemee.
David joined the United States Air Force. He trained and worked as a heavy equipment operator while in the military.
He worked for the City of St. James and he built and sold homes. He worked at Westinghouse and Briggs and Stratton and later worked as an electrician and serviced warranties on garage doors and mobile homes. He also worked as an insurance agent and as a substitute teacher for the St. James Public Schools.
He was involved in the prison ministry when he served as a deacon at Capital City Christian Church.
David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jeff DeLuca; and sister-in-law, Judy DeLuca.
David is survived by his wife, Jody DeLuca of St. James, Missouri; two sons, David Lee DeLuca III and wife Bobbie Jo of St. James, Missouri and Wesley Jared DeLuca and wife Erica of St. James, Missouri; daughter, Abbigayle Lynn Halbrook and husband Nicholas; brothers, Jim DeLuca of St. James, Missouri, Dan DeLuca and wife Terri of St. James, Missouri, Mike DeLuca of St. James, Missouri, Gene Everett DeLuca and wife Rowanda of St. James, Missouri; sisters, Deborah Turner and special friend Harold of Cuba, Missouri and Amy Blake (Gene) of Rolla, Missouri; 10 grandchildren, Nolan DeLuca, Courtney DeLuca, Sam DeLuca, Holden DeLuca, David DeLuca IV, Hailey Russell and husband Jacob, Makayla McFadden, Trevor McFadden and Randi Jo Saunders; great grandchildren, Carter Halbrook, Murphy Jo Halbrook, Brinley Osborne, Scottie Jo Russell, Stetson Pope and Roland DeLuca; other relatives and friends.
Private graveside services were held for the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
