James Roosevelt Decker

James Roosevelt Decker, 85, New Palestine, IN, passed away March 26, 2018. He was born March 4, 1933 in Wayne County, KY, the son of James and Jo (Marcum) Decker. Early in his career, James worked as a carpenter. He worked for General Motors before retiring after 17 years of service. James worked side-by-side with his wife, Jan, as a professional horse trainer for more than 30 years. Memberships included: Honorable Kentucky Colonels, Indiana Arabian Horse Club, Indiana Half-Arabian Horse Club, Arabian Horse Association. James was preceded in death by his parents and nine of his 11 siblings. James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan Decker, New Palestine; his daughters: Jane Dowler (David), Villa Grove, IL; and Edna Jo “Yab” Knight, New Palestine; his grandchildren: Matthew Scoggins (Maddison), St. Louis, MO; Steven Scoggins (Ashlee), Ft. Worth, TX; Kayla Dowler, Christchurch, New Zealand; and Robbie Knight, New Palestine; and his brother, Milburn Decker (Betty), Jabez, KY. James was the storyteller among the Decker clan, and loved to make people smile, especially his daughters and his grandchildren. This cowboy had a heart of gold, but would place his life on the line for his family and friends. His quick, profound wit gave people pause following the laughter when the common-sense wisdom of his words afforded all another life lesson. His strong will and genuine spirit will be missed by his loving family and friends. A celebration of life for “Jim” is planned for May 5, 2018 at Round the Corner Banquet Hall, 121 East Main Street, New Palestine, IN 46163, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m. A marker will be placed at the Morrow Church, Decker Family Cemetery, Jabez, KY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arabian Horse Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Neptune Society.