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James Deckard Obituary
James S. Deckard, 78, of Kalamazoo passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022, at his sister's home in St. Joseph.
Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, St. Joseph.
Memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, Home of the Yeager Family Pet Shelter.
Those wishing to sign Jim's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim was born Jan. 21, 1944, in St. Joseph to Claude and Lucille (Stevens) Deckard.
He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1962, and received his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Jim was a professor at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor for several years and retired from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo after many years. After retirement, he did private tutoring for a number of years. In his free time, Jim enjoyed writing of all different kinds.
Jim is survived by his children: James C. Deckard of Portage, Mich., Amanda Deckard of Avondale, Ariz.; his grandson, Presley Durrett of Avondale; two sisters: Victoria and Claudia Deckard, both of St. Joseph; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Sylvia Rae Quinn and Patricia Ann Sluder-Hile.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Deckard
1 Entry
Robert Mielke
May 21, 2022
Jim and I were best friends in high school. He lived a few houses away from me and we drove to school together daily. During our driving time together, Jim would comment on things sounding like various literary figures.
During a high school election campaign assembly, Jim took on the role of FDR doing a fireside chat extolling the virtues of our candidate. While cruising the town, it would be like being with F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I remember being at the beach after graduation and Jim read and analyzed the language of the Budweiser can label.
These were just some of the little things memories of Jim were made of. RIP Jim.
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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