James Decker

All who knew James Decker would agree that he was a true inspiration. He was a man of perseverance and determination who loved his independence and never wanted to be a burden to others. Jim was a devoted family man who loved being surrounded by his loved ones no matter what they were doing. He was an outgoing and talkative person who was genuinely interested in others, and his laughter was infectious, too. He resided at Leonard Pines apartments for 22 years. They were his family, in many ways closer to him than his biological siblings. He was the rock of that complex. Jim will be remembered for his spirit of generosity, his kindhearted touch, and his drive to accomplish the things he set his mind to, but it was his zest for life that will be remembered most.

The 1960s were a time of great change in America. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought civil rights to the forefront while encouraging equality through peace. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States only to mourn his death just a couple of years later, and as a nation we celebrated huge strides in space as we sent the first American into space, the first man to orbit the earth, and were the first to have a man walk on the moon. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was blessed with the birth of their baby boy on January 27, 1961. James Alan was one of five children born to his parents, Donald and Charlotte (Norris) Decker, and since he was born with spina bifida and not expected to live long he was baptized while still in the hospital. He proved them wrong, however, and joined his two older sisters at the family home on Plymouth, NE. Two younger sisters later joined the Decker family and they moved to the house on Leffingwell when he was about 4 years old. Jim experienced a typical relationship with his siblings as his sisters were known to boss him around or to mother him, and of course there were arguments to contend with at times.

Although he had several medical concerns throughout his life, Jim’s mother and father strongly encouraged him to be independent. His father built him a special chair and later, a hand peddled "crazy car" that he went everywhere in, and his mother made sure that he was able to take care of himself. As a boy he crawled around and could do anything he had an interest in, perhaps it took extra time or required help, but he was able to do things like swimming, sledding, fishing, and playing outside. He certainly did develop a spirit of independence. Jim looked forward to going to Indian Trails Camp every summer. Always a bundle of energy, he waved his arms to let out some steam while watching television.

When he was 14, Jim and his family were given a tough pill to swallow with the death of his mother after enduring a fierce battle with cancer. Not long after Jim went to Chicago for surgery where he remained for nine months. Jim’s father later remarried Judy, who brought three more siblings into Jim's life. Judy fully embraced him, and while she was always willing to help, she also encouraged him in his independence as well. She later became instrumental in finding Jim work. As a student he attended Eastern Orthopedic School and went on to graduate from Ottawa Hills High School.

Through the years Jim worked on and off. He did some work in packaging for a time and later did some piece work at Sheltered Workshops. The job Jim enjoyed the most and did for the longest duration was working as a greeter at Home Depot on 28th Street.

Jim was one to keep busy. He was a sports enthusiast who played basketball with the Grand Rapids Pacers for awhile. Jim was also an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan through thick and thin. Traveling was always something he enjoyed, and through the years he took many trips, which were often with family or to see family. His travels took him to places like Florida, Idaho, Canada, and Missouri. He also had fun on a cruise. When it came to music, Jim was country all the way.

The things that made Jim such an extraordinary man are numerous. He was social, enjoyed people, and was a talker wherever he went. He made an impact on people and they remembered him because of his kind heart. Even when he was at home Jim was still being social as he was often on the phone. He liked keeping up on what was going on in the lives of his nieces and nephews and had a great relationship with them, too. Although he didn’t have a lot in the way of material possessions, he was always willing to help others, commonly giving away or lending something to someone in need whether material things or money. Likewise, Jim was forever concerned about being a burden to others and thoroughly tried everything by himself before asking for help. Even while in the hospital he didn’t want to push the call button for fear of being a bother. Not only was he independent, but he also looked at rules and boundaries more as loose guidelines as he was also known for being a bit stubborn at times. Jim enjoyed good things to eat and drink, and some of his favorites were coffee, herring, cottage cheese, canned sardines, and black olives.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, James Decker was an enormous blessing in the lives of others. Despite having medical needs he was never sick, and he did everything he could to maintain his independence. As his family and friends can attest, Jim had a fantastic laugh, and laughter was something that he was always willing to share with all who were within his reach. Loyal, hardworking, and compassionate, he will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

James Alan Decker, age 53 of Grand Rapids, passed away March 19, 2014 from complications of Spina Bifida. Jim was very friendly and taught those around him many lessons. He greeted visitors at the Home Depot on 28th Street for many years. Jim was preceded in death by his mom, Charlotte and by his step-mother, Judy. He is survived by his father (and his wife), Donald (Irene) Decker; his siblings Lori and Keith Osterhaven, Leslie and Mark Bivins, Donna and Jordan Smith, Mary and Andy Gavlek, Diane And Bob Britton-Glassburn, Doug and Katie Britton, Dan and Sandy Britton; nieces and nephews Brian, Eric, Bruce and Kurtis Osterhaven, Kyle and Christopher Bivins, Joey and Tillie Gavlek, Jordan, Brett and Charlotte Smith, Jon, and Jacob Britton, Samantha Ponitz, Dean and Dan Huizenga, Danae Reff; 17 great nieces and nephews as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins and Charlie, his cat. In addition, Jim is survived by several very special "lifelong friends" and his Leonard Pines family. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Monday, March 24 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Interment in Blythefield Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with Jims family on Monday from 11 AM - 1 PM at the funeral home, and also on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at Leonard Pines Apartment Community Room, 1319 Leonard NE. Jim gave freely and his family requests that in lieu of flowers, you honor Jim's memory by giving to someone in need, lending a helping hand, essentially paying it forward. To read more about his life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com.