James N. Decker

He was born Nov. 15, 1935, in Jamestown, the son of the late Gilbert and Pauline Johnson Decker Sr.

Jim was a graduate of Lakewood High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1957-61. In earlier years he was employed by National Security Agency from 1961-69 in Ft. Meade, Md. Prior to retirement in 2000, Jim owned and operated Decker’s Furniture Stripping and Refinishing for 30 years.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Lakewood Fire Department serving for 51 years. Jim enjoyed serving the community he loved with utmost dedication. Throughout his service he held certifications as an EMT-B, Interior Firefighter, and Fire Police. He rose through the ranks as first assistant chief in 1982, and most recently as the finance secretary and historian for which he currently held. Firefighter Decker was instrumental in the restoration and upkeep of Lakewood Fire’s original 1915 Model-T, which he spent countless hours working on and driving.

Lakewood Fire lost a piece Friday that will never be able to be replaced, and his fire family will always look for him and his coffee during Tuesday’s radio check. “Rest in Peace ID 45.”

Surviving are three daughters: Brenda (David R.) Harding of Ashville, Kimberly (Shawn M.) Morrison of Celoron, and Stella (Michael A.) Russell of Lewiston; three grandchildren: Aderin Russell, Megan Russell and Alta Mae Harding; a brother, Gilbert Decker Jr. of Kabob, N.Y.; and a sister Marian Ruby of Stow.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura M. John-son Decker, whom he married Feb. 23, 1957, who died Nov. 28, 2004; and a sister, Barbara Pierce in 2020.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Falconer Funeral Home. Pete Dawson, chaplain of the Lakewood Fire Department will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ashville, N.Y.

Friends and family will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.

(Face masks will be required for visitation, funeral service and social distancing observed.)

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Lakewood Fire Department or Chautauqua County Humane Society.

Visit our website at www.falconerfuneral home.net to send a message of condolence.