Jan "JP" Decker was born on August 31, 1941, in Middletown, NY.  JP passed away on April 5, 2023 at the age of 81 from the effects of Parkinson's Disease.  He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Lynda Childs. 

Jan had a diverse professional life. He attended the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT and had deep pride in his journey aboard The Eagle Ship and worked on submarines at Electric Boat.  Jan held positions as a Methods eSystems Analyst and a Fiberglass Plant Manager.  He owned and operated an Automobile Aftermarket Services for many years enjoying being his own boss.  He later opened and operated a Honda Motorcycle Franchise.  His last owner operated business was a Name Tag Business which has been handed down to his granddaughter to continue.    

Jan stated his top way to waste varying sums of money included everything from kayaks, canoes and a gheenoe to motorboats, sailboats and a catamaran, having a total of 16 various "money-eaters".  JP  did not take vacations or "travel", instead he changed residences living and residing in over 30 locations throughout his life.  It was his way of traveling and seeing the country!  He enjoyed doing research on the computer, doing blueprint house drawings and crossword puzzles, and spending time with his pup, Scarlett.  Each of the grandkids were joys in his life and JP wanted to ensure they would lead productive careers and happy lives.  Much of his computer research was to check into anything and everything each of the grandkids was interested in and forward it to them.  He wanted them to have as much knowledge and information as possible for their decisions in life hoping that the knowledge would lead to happiness for their careers and personal lives.  

In 2003, JP met and found his long-time companion and trusted ally, Lynda Childs.  Lynda enriched and completed JP, being all he desired in a partner and making all his days so much brighter.  Jan is survived by his partner Lynda Childs, his son Scot (Wendy) Decker, his daughter Cheryl (Michael) Barnwell, his granddaughters Jordyn Decker, Devyn Decker, and Brandi Barnwell, his grandsons Nicholas (Marissa) Wilson, Mathew (Alyssa) Wilson, and his great-grandson Christopher Wilson.   JP was the youngest of the 4 siblings of Samuel and Mary Decker, with Stewart (Myra) Decker,  Joyce (Lou) Evangelista, Monte (Marianne) Decker preceded him in their deaths.  Monte, who passed just a month prior, and Jan may secretly have been trying to out-live each other as well as be the one whose memory was fading the least - a true competition over the last year.   

JP wished for no funeral service and to be cremated with his ashes scattered at Matanzas River.  The family will be having a small gathering at the park near there on a future date  to honor his life and scatter his ashes.  In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation in his honor.  

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/jan-decker/obituary/

Copy