James E. Decker

James (Jim) Decker, 96, of Monroe Township, passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2026. Born on May 26, 1929, on Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ, Jim was the son of the late Amelia (née Canzonier) Decker and Joseph Decker. As a young boy, he worked as a paperboy for the Home News, a paper he remained loyal to throughout his life as a devoted daily subscriber. Jim’s Catholic faith was deeply rooted in St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick, where he was baptized as an infant. As an adult, he dedicated many years as a weekly volunteer during the tenure of Monsignor Crupi, tending to whatever needed attention — the Church, CYO, Rectory, School, or Convent. He never looked for recognition; he simply saw what needed to be done and did it. A proud graduate of New Brunswick High School, Class of 1947, Jim went on to serve eight years in the New Jersey National Guard, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He carried that same sense of duty into his civilian life as a lifelong member of Electrical Union Local 456. As a union electrician, he built a reputation not only for skill and reliability but for something even more meaningful — integrity. Family and friends often said he could “fix anything,” and more often than not, he did.  But Jim’s greatest work was at home. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Decker (née Lerner) of Monroe Township; his children, Eileen and her husband Jim Kuchinski of South Brunswick; James and his wife Alison Decker of Montgomery Township; and Michael Decker of Clearwater, Florida. He was predeceased by his daughter, Maria Bambach of Howell. He embraced his stepchildren, Sheryl Dawne Levine of Edison and Matthew Levine (and Sheryl Robin) of North Brunswick, as part of his own, extending his quiet strength and guidance to them as well. Nothing made him prouder than his grandchildren — Christina Domotor, James Kuchinski, Michael Decker, Caroline Decker, Stephen Kuchinski, Connor Levine, and Madelyn Levine — and his great-grandson, Dylan Domotor. He was predeceased by his siblings: John Decker; Eileen Decker of Toms River; JoAnn Juhasz of Pennsylvania; Joel William (Bill) Decker and his wife Effie of Upper Saddle River; and Jerome Norman (Norm) Decker of South Brunswick. To know Jim was to know reliability, humility, and quiet goodness. He did not seek the spotlight. He showed up. He helped. He fixed. He loved. He prayed. He worked hard. He cared deeply. His life was not defined by grand gestures, but by steady presence — the kind that builds families, strengthens communities, and leaves a lasting imprint on generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 4-7pm at the Bronson and McNamara Memorial Home of Milltown, NJ.  The funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday 10am at St. Cecilia’s RC Church, Monmouth Jct, NJ followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, New Brunswick, NJ.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Decker, please visit our floral store.