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James Decatur Obituary

James A. Decatur DeWitt Passed away Monday, July 19, 2010 at the age of 81. He was born July 30, 1928, to James H. and Isabell (Sherin) Decatur, both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding Jim in death was his great-grandson, Gavin Hansen. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Emma Decatur; 5 daughters, Kathy (Tom) Harrington, Karen Decatur, Janine (Joe) Cavanaugh, Lisa (Brian) Seyfried, Wendy (James) Brown, all of DeWitt; 2 sons, James (Laurie) Decatur of Mecosta, Bryan Decatur, of DeWitt; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Richard (Marguerite) Robinson of Evart; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was a lifetime resident of DeWitt and attended First Baptist Church of DeWitt. In 1985, Jim retired from Michigan Army National Guard. Jim loved fishing and golfing, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and going to his cabin. He served 12 years with the DeWitt School Board, 10 years with the DeWitt Planning Commission; 8 years with the DeWitt Memorial Board; and 3 years with the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also a life member of DeWitt Masonic Lodge, and a long time employee of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Special dog Tasha will miss Jim's companionship. The family would like to give thanks to Margie, Heidi, and Mary with McLaren Visiting Nurse & Hospice. Services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Noon at First Baptist Church of DeWitt, 11068 S. DeWitt Road, DeWitt, MI, with Rev. Dan Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow at the DeWitt Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Michigan Army National Guard and VFW. The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington, DeWitt on Wednesday, July 21, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Masonic (Wacousta-DeWitt Lodge No. 359) service to be held at 7:30 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honor Program, P.O. Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 or McLaren Visiting Nurse & Hospice, 2316 S. Cedar, Suite 600, Lansing, MI 48910 in memory of Mr. Decatur. Online condolences may be made at: www.gorslineruncimandewitt.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jul. 21 to Jul. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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June Squires

July 25, 2010

To Jim Decatur and family we would like to give our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers on the passing of your father. There were many a time that your father was in our hearts and on our minds during the times spent together in the guard and at Pine Knoll in Grayling. Your father will be remembered as the great soldier that he was and Fred always spoke highly of him.I know Fred had those good times in his mind in the last days before his passing in October and you,his 1070th comrades and your father and family were a great part of those memories. With love and best wishes June Squires and family.

Jerry and Linda Brown

July 22, 2010

Hi Lisa, Brian, Josh, and Kyle,

We just heard about the passing of your Dad (and Grandfather). We are sorry for your loss and pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to sustain you and heal your heart. If there is anything we can, just call.

Rosemary Pasch

July 22, 2010

To the Decatur family:
I was so sorry to read of Jim's passing (day of funeral) and unfortunately I was unable to attend services. My heart goes out to all of you and my prayers are with you and yours. I have many memories of Jim and Emma when I lived next door to Kathy up on the highway. Again, draw on God's strength during the upcoming days and weeks during your time of sorrow and cherish all of the hundreds of memories you have. Rosemary Petoskey (Pasch) DeWitt, MI

July 22, 2010

Aunt Emma and All, we are so very sorry to hear about Uncle Jim. We have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Jim and all of goofy things he used to do with us kids, of all the great get-togethers, and oh those Decatur Burgers!! He will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in our prayers. Love to all, Sharry (Decator) Castillo, and dad, John Decator

Danny & Amy Davis

July 22, 2010

So very sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim was just a dear and sweet person. Wishing strength and prayers to you Emma, the children and grandchildren.

"For we fix our attention, not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen last forever." ~ (2 Cor.. 4:18)

Gary Tellier

July 22, 2010

to the Decatur family:
We are sad to hear of Jim's passing.He was such a good man and soldier while on this earth.He will be missed.
Gary & Janet Tellier

Nancy Nickols

July 21, 2010

To the Decatur family: I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Unfortunately, I could not attend services. Please accept my sympathy and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Memories are a great healer - I hope you can all take comfort in the good times you have spent together. He will be missed.

Susie Huebshman

July 21, 2010

We are so sad hearing about sweet Uncle JIm. I have loved him dearly, always. WE pray for your peace and uplifting in Jesus at this time and that you find joy; in time ,with his good memories. Love, Susie,and Ronn Huebshman

Lora Ormsbee-Elliott

July 21, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

July 21, 2010

May God Grace You and Your Family with His Great Love and Great Memories to Share at this time of Loss.

Love and Prayers Howard and Colleen Becker COL Ret.

Jean Ann Bradley

July 21, 2010

Dear Aunt Emma and kids, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know that your hearts are aching. I love you all, and have many childhood memories of your dad in his military suit coming home from work. Even though I only saw him a couple times a year I will miss him. God Bless you all Love Jean Ann & family

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