Legacy: James Albert Decker (13)

The following article appeared in Saints Alive, the quarterly newsletter of the Lima Christian School

The legacy of former LCS Principal Jim Decker, faithful servant-leader

by Rachel E. Dewey, LCS Class of 1993

    

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant” was the title of the memorial service program celebrating the life and legacy of Jim Decker, principal of LCS from 1983-’91. Despite his short stature, Mr. Decker left a giant impact that many in the LCS family will remember. He died peacefully at his Batavia home on June 21, at age 84.

Mr. Decker served in the U.S. Army, married his high school crush, Marilyn Knapp, in 1957, and worked as an insurance underwriter and bricklayer for many years before returning to college at age 40. He then became a vocational teacher of masonry (bricklaying) at BOCES, guidance counselor, and eventually, director of the Lester B. Forman Center (later renamed Fairport/Monroe I BOCES) before coming to LCS. Under Mike Maloney, then-assistant LBC pastor, and principal from 1980-’83, LCS had transitioned from an ACE (directed, personal study) school to a more traditional K-12 institution. Hired to succeed Pastor Maloney, Mr. Decker continued to move LCS forward in faith.

In the process of guiding LCS to become a registered New York State high school, Mr. Decker hired and trained additional staff and teachers and made great strides building the curriculum. As an administrator, he was skilled at leading multiple events, sometimes several within the same time period, said LCS staffers who worked in his “early years.” With additional duties enrolling students, delegating, teaching, and serving as counselor, Mr. Decker labored long to strengthen and build LCS into one of the area’s finest Christian schools. 

Students and staff enjoyed his unique sense of humor and cheery disposition, and he earned the respect of many for his dedicated service, humility, and passion for his Savior, Jesus Christ. This was particularly evident in his 9th and 10th grade Bible classes, where he often taught from one of his favorite books, A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy. He also drew upon illustrations from his bricklaying days when describing the “plumb line” of God’s word in the Book of Amos, and enjoyed teaching the meanings of the many names and attributes of God.

Mr. Decker told his family he’d found his “dream job” at LCS, and he challenged students in his Bible classes to be sure they left LCS with “a set of ‘unchangeables’ in your back pocket,” Biblical standards which they would never compromise.

In a Facebook post noting the blessing of people who speak grace, truth and love into one’s life, Class of ’97 alum Beth Bouchard cited an “unforgettable” Chapel message when Mr. Decker told students, “Dear ones, do you know it’s all right to fail?” 

Students and staff looked up to him as an exceptional role model who lived out his faith and trusted in Christ for all things. With thanks for a legacy of servant leadership, the LCS family congratulates Mr. Decker on his “promotion” to Glory.

He leaves behind his wife, Marilyn; son Paul and daughter-in-love Dondra; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His family requests that contributions in his memory be made to the LCS Scholarship Fund. Letters to his wife and family may be sent to the home of Paul Decker, 191 N. Linden St., Williamsville, NY 14221.

(A heart-felt thank you to those who contributed to the information that formed the basis of this article: Beth Bouchard, Paul Decker, Ralph Dewey, Mike Maloney, and various staff and members LCS, LBC, and the Batavia Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.)