Home
starks logo
James Deckard

James S. “Jim” Deckard

January 21st, 1944 - May 5th, 2022

Jim's 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 Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Jim was born January 21, 1944 in St. Joseph to Claude & Lucille (Stevens) Deckard. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1962, and received his Masters 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, MI, Amanda Deckard of Avondale, AZ; his grandson Presley Durrett of Avondale, AZ; two sisters-Victoria & Claudia Deckard, both of St. Joseph; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters-Sylvia Rae Quinn and Patricia Ann Sluder-Hile

Memorial Contributions

Please click a link below to make a memorial contribution.

Memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan


Service Details

View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.

Sign up for schedule updates