Obituary of James Decker

James R. Decker, a life-long Poughkeepsie resident, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 2, 2012 at the age of 76. Jim was the son of Phillip M. and Blanche Decker, and was born on March 17, 1936 in Greenport, NY. On August 1, 1959 Jim married his wife of 52 years, Carol Ann Hampe at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie. She survives him at home. From Poughkeepsie High School, Jim went on to serve in the US Army, 114th Armored Calvary Regiment. He was stationed in Vadhersfeld, Germany and was a part of the East West Border Patrol from 1955-1958. He left the Service as a Sergeant. For 20 years Jim worked as a vending machine repairman for the Canteen Company. He then transitioned to working for IBM and retired from there as an Optics Technician in Instrument Services in Poughkeepsie. Jim was a Life Member of the Poughkeepsie Elk's Lodge 275. He loved to camp, play cards, fish, watch NASCAR and spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife: Carol of Poughkeepsie, his daughter Debbie Decker of Poughkeepsie, NY; his daughter Rhondy Rose and partner Guy McAllister of Pleasant Valley, NY, daughter and son-in-law Christy-Joy Schroeder and David Schroeder of Pleasant Valley, NY. Jim is also survived by his four grandchildren Krystal Rose Maness and her husband Stephen Maness of Killeen Texas, Jimmie Rose of Pleasant Valley, and Tyler and Siera Schroeder of Pleasant Valley, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday, July 6 from 4pm to 8pm at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. The Poughkeepsie Elk's Lodge will hold services at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12pm Saturday July 7, 2012 at Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie, NY. Burial will be in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie NY with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the DC ASPCA Violet Ave. Hyde Park New York 12538 or to Holy Trinity Church 775 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to send an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com