James Dekker

On Friday, January 19, 2018 James Clifford Dekker, 96, went to be with Jesus. Jim was a self-made man, who built a successful business in Sheboygan, WI through determination and hard work. After retiring in 1990, he split his time between residences in Naples, Florida and Sheboygan.
Jim was born October 15, 1921 in Sheboygan to Edward and Joanne (Cevaal) Dekker. He attended Sheboygan Christian School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1939.
Jim proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the Army Air Corps. He was a B17 waist gunner, completing thirteen missions over Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Sheboygan where he met and married Jean E. Marold on April 14, 1950.
After working at the Kohler Company for two years, Jim started Dekker's Furniture which he and Jean operated for forty years. Jean and Jim spent winters in Naples until Jean passed away on June 15, 2006.
Jim and Jean enjoyed camping with their children and grandchildren in Door County, Wisconsin for fifty years. Jim was especially proud of tending to his well-manicured lawn and flower gardens. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, cards with friends, and playing bocce ball on the beach.
Jim and Jean traveled extensively, including several trips to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and the Holy Land. Jim was a life-long member of Hope Reformed Church in Sheboygan, where he served as deacon and elder.
He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Sheree Dekker-Sanchez and husband, Zeke of San Diego,CA; daughter Sandee Busse and husband, Jeff of West Bend, WI; and son, Phil Dekker and partner, Carol Franke of Hernando, FL. Also survived by grandchildren, Erica Kack and husband, Devin, Kaitlyn Espejo and husband, Tony and Justin Busse, plus great-grandchildren, Bennett, Davis, and Sienna Kack. He is also survived by sister, Edythe Good of Naples, FL; sister Carla (Curtis) Walser of Clearwater, FL; brother, Edward (Jackie) Dekker of Naples, FL; sister-in-law, Carol Dekker of Sheboygan, WI; and sister-in-law, Connie Welsch of Sheboygan, WI.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jean, Jim was preceded in death by sisters, Doris and her husband, Col. Earl Roth, Joan and her husband, Carroll Verhelst, Lois and her husband, Martin Potter, and Janet and her husband, Chris Vande Guchte. Also preceded by brother, Robert Dekker and brothers-in-law, Greg Good and Roland Welsch.
Jim is also survived by a special person in his life, Shirley Hasenstein of Sheboygan.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Hope Reformed Church. Rev. William TeWinkle, Pastor, will be the officiant. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will take place at Garden Terrace Mauseleum.
A memorial fund has been established in his name for Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Florida 34105 and Hope Reformed Church, 612 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081.
To sign the guestbook, please visit: www.ballhornchapels.com