What's not to love about a man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren-almost as much as he loved his dogs! (Baby Girl, Randall, Toby Joe and Prince) James Neal Decker was born June 10, 1956 in Henderson, Ky to Bobby Decker and Mary Wyatt. He leaves behind the love of his life, Charlene Decker and children Chris (Carla) Decker, Charity (Brett) Becker, James Neal "Chip"(Charlene) Decker, Jr.and Joshua Gary Decker. He had 8 grandchildren, Matthew Decker, Christopher (Brittany) Decker, Jarod (Brittany) Decker, Thomas Wagoner, Eliza Wagoner, Emmalee Becker, James Neal (Kerstin) Decker III and Brooklyn Decker. He also had 8 great grandchildren Bailey Wolfe, Eli Decker, Kaleb Decker,

Ava Decker, Lia Decker, Nora Decker, Hadley Decker and Tip (James Neal Decker IV). His siblings, Bobby (Lana) Decker, Tom (Tina) Barrett, Kandy (Ray) Forest, Judy (David)Lemarr, Tim Niewinski, Robin Martin. Jim was preceeded in death by his parents Mary Niewinski, Bobby Decker, and Margaret Decker. One brother Danny Decker, sisters Debra Decker, Linda Howard and brother-in- law Enos Howard. And a special aunt, Carolyn Wyatt.

Jim retired from Ford Stamping Plant, Chicago Heights in 2006. He was an Industrial Medical Technician and a member of the in plant Emergency Response Team.  He was a retired volunteer fire fighter and first responder.  He worked hard for his family and his community, always willing to help out someone less fortunate. The week before he got sick he was delivering boxes of food to the needy.  Jim lost a hard fought battle to COVID-19.  He was on a ventilator for the last three weeks. He was surrounded by family and we were lucky to be able to tell him how much he was loved.  The world will never be the same and we will forever be heartbroken.

From the beginning of this pandemic, he was never careless. And yet, Covid-19 robbed him of his final years that should have been spent with family, friends and vacations. Be careful, stay safe and please be kind to each other.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Starke County Humane Society to be used for adoption fees.

Jim put the safety of his family and friends first, therefore, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.