James Gordon Decker

Jim was the beloved son of Gordon and Mildred Decker, who predeceased him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Patricia; their children, Laura (Drew) Adams of Pensacola, Florida, Katie (Andrew) Smith of Greensboro, North Carolina, and James (Ashley) Decker of Birmingham, Alabama; ten grandchildren, Hollis, Erin, Ava, Sawyer, Carter, Lily, Julianne, Virginia, Caroline, and Truett; his sister, Janice Decker; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was born in Elmira, New York but grew up in Seminole, Florida where he graduated from Seminole High School. He later went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He then went on to valiantly serve his country in the Vietnam War. For his brave and selfless service in combat, Jim was awarded two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After his Vietnam service, Jim began a distinguished but brief military career where he honorably served as an Army Special Forces Green Beret, Army Ranger, and was Airborne qualified.

After leaving the Army, Jim earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He later went on to practice law in Fort Myers, Florida where he significantly influenced the lives of many clients and his community. A highly regarded attorney and well respected by his peers, Jim dedicated himself to excellence in his practice.

Beyond his professional life, Jim was an active member in the Fort Myers community. He kept busy volunteering through Kiwanis, playing high-spirited games of tennis, and loved being on the basketball court. He enjoyed planning summer travel adventures for his family and researching every detail prior to the frequent car shopping he did. Later in life, he found himself on morning bike rides and avidly pursuing the game of soccer, both learning to be a devoted fan and a dedicated youth coach. He even found opportunities to referee. If Jim wasn’t on the soccer field, he was sure to be found on his boat fishing the Pine Island Sound for the elusive snook.

Jim’s golden years were filled with grandchildren who affectionately called him Skipper. Skipper enjoyed fishing trips with the kids and loved making them his much-requested spaghetti suppers, and fizzy wizzy drinks. He also loved an all-night game of “no-mercy” Monopoly and sharing his favorite baseball movies with his grandsons.

Jim will be remembered always as one of a kind, and family are often heard referencing the “Jim Decker Way.” A man who always mapped his own way, has found his way home.

A memorial service will be held August 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the Simmon’s Center, 2210 North Elm Street, Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be sent to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, give.michaeljfox.org