94
Brandon, SD
April 3, 2021
James Junior Decker was born on October 17, 1926, to Theodore and Laura (Kohlhoff) Decker in Jamestown, N.D. He spent his childhood on a farm near Hartford and moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old in the “dirty 30s.” At 17 he joined the United States Navy during World War II. His ship was part of an escort of freighters with supplies for the Pacific theater.
Jim came back to Sioux Falls at the end of WWII and worked at John Morrell & Co. for 41 years before retirement. He drove the Senior Citizen bus for a couple of years and also volunteered at Avera McKennan for more than 10 years. His wife Joyce passed four years ago in May 2017.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Gloria (Larry) Smyrak of Sioux Falls, and their children, Joe Smyrak, Jeff Smyrak and Lauren Peterson; two sons, Larry (Deb) Decker of Sioux Falls, and James (Celeste) Decker of DeSoto, Kan., and their children Ashley Decker, Jay Decker and Matt Decker; and four great-grandchildren, Carter Peterson, Max Peterson, Thomas Siripalaka and Theodore Peterson.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Johanna “Joyce” (May 6, 2017); parents, Theodore and Laura and brother William.
Jim absolutely loved the outdoors, gardening, hunting and fishing, and passed that love for nature to his children and grandchildren. Late in life he became a passionate golfer and had a hole-in-one to his credit. Always respectful and never complained, a true example of the greatest generation. He will be missed.
A funeral service was held Friday, April 9, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.
Arrangements provided by George Boom Funeral Home.