James David Decker
A celebration of life service for James David Decker, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Decker passed away at 11:27 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 11, 1930, at Winona, Missouri, to Homer Decker and Geraldine Baltz Decker. On January 11, 1963, he was married at West Plains, to Wanda Jean Thomas, who preceded him in death on July 11, 2021. He raised his two sisters and loved his family very much. Mr. Decker was a school teacher for many years; he began teaching in a one room school house before finishing college. He could teach anything to anyone; one of his favorite sayings was “You never lose your ability to learn.” Mr. Decker was very involved with his family and students and made an impact on many; he loved teaching.
He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Decker, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Megan Smith and Monica Arter; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Decker Gammon, Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Greg Gammon and wife, Renee and Libby Dunn, all of Springfield, Missouri.
His parents, wife, one daughter, Ann Collins and one sister, Dixie Decker, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln School Project, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
April 14, 2025 @ 3:35 pm
Sarah, Megan/Chris & Smith Family, and Monica/Ron,
My parents, Norris & Ivene Cozort, and I extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of James. My Dad taught in the WP R-7 School District at the same time as your parents and knew them both very well. I had the pleasure of having your Father as my 7th & 8th Grade English Teacher. I have very fond memories of him and those 2 years with him at the WPMS. Your parents enjoyed attending a breakfast for our Reunion one year for the Class of 1981. They not only enjoyed seeing other fellow colleagues but enjoyed the visit with those students from the Class of 1981 as well. Your Father will be missed! At this time we will be keeping each of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God provide comfort, strength, encouragement, and peace to each of you daily. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
April 14, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Godspeed Mr. Decker.
Melinda (Burgess) King
April 14, 2025 @ 10:48 pm
Sarah
My heart breaks for you. Your Dad was never my teacher but he earned the respect of so many people, myself Included.
Let the image of his Heavenly reunion with your Mom and Ann soothe your heart.
Laurie Edwards
April 15, 2025 @ 11:43 am
Mr Decker was the the best teacher I ever had Ann was a close friend of mine all through school I will miss them dearly I am so sorry they have left this world My condolences go to you Sarah and the entire family I
Sandy Thomas
April 15, 2025 @ 2:27 pm
Mr Decker was the greatest teacher in High School and college He never gave up on you
So sorry for your loss, he was a great person
Susan Minge
April 15, 2025 @ 2:57 pm
First time I met Mr. Decker 10 years ago he had made peanut butter cookies and brought them warm to Sarah and all her employees! He made a mean cookie, amazing man. Touched so many lives..
Michael Frommel
April 15, 2025 @ 3:26 pm
I had Mr. Decker as a teacher in West Plains. He was a wonderful teacher who made learning easy and fun. Later in life I became a teacher also and I tried to emulate his style with my students. RIP Mr. Decker and thank you.
David and Kathy Clark
April 15, 2025 @ 5:10 pm
“Mr. Decker” was a WPHS classmate of my mother and dad. During all my school years in West Plains, he was one of my favorite teachers. During that time when I was in his class, some friends and I enjoyed spelunking, or what we called “cave crawling” in those days. He took time to take me and 2 or 3 of my friends to explore a cave near Alton. Over the years when I visited West Plains especially at the Methodist Church, I was fortunate to see him several times for a short visit. Coincidently, this past weekend, before I heard of his passing, I had related my fond memories of him and our visit to the cave to Kathy. Thoughts and prayers for all his family!
Alice Vandergriff
April 16, 2025 @ 9:38 am
Sarah and all the family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim and Ann. Sending prayers for God’s comfort and care.
Robert Pendergrass
April 17, 2025 @ 10:58 am
Sad news as Jim was my Teacher that turned into a lifelong friend. His love of humor and laughing was always enjoyment to those around him. Condolences to the family
Ron & Teresa Hensley
April 17, 2025 @ 4:55 pm
We are truly sorry to learn of the passing of Mr Decker. A truly gifted educator, he was able to get the best out of each student either with his unwavering humor or by asking the age old question of ‘who is going with who and how their car runs’. He will be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him in and out of the classroom.
Fawn Cockrum
April 17, 2025 @ 6:42 pm
I feel I’ve lost part of the family. I grew up with stories of Mr. Decker from my mom and her family. He was their teacher back in the early 50s. The Cross family was so very fond of Mr. Decker. He truly left a remarkable legacy from all the lives he’s touched over the years.