James Decker

James Willard “Mutt” Decker, 89, died Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at home in Aztec, N.M. He was the last surviving pioneer of the Decker family. Visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present to receive guests from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at Hood Mortuary, with Pastor John Preston officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.

Mr. Decker was born March 9, 1923, in Kirtland, N. M., the son of J. Elmer Decker and M. Elise Butt Decker. His father sent him to live with his aunt in Salt Lake City at the age of six after the passing of his mother. He returned to live with his father and step-mother Alvetta Decker at the Decker ranch in the Vallecito Valley – where the reservoir now sits. Mr. Decker would herd cattle at a very young age, and by himself, into Durango. He was also a proficient horse handler and horse breaker.

Mutt went to Denver University for two years before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After a two week “crash course” in aviation, he began piloting a P-47D Thunderbolt bomber aircraft. He successfully flew 79 missions and was considered an “Ace Pilot.” Mr. Decker was an officer 1st Lieutenant and was in the 523rd Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Group AAF. His missions were to destroy telecommunications, bridges, buildings, and anything in sight. He would return many a time with his plane shot up to pieces. One time his whole wing was destroyed. Mr. Decker was also a ground escort for General Patton. Mr. Decker loved to tell his World War II stories. He would tear up every time and state, “She brought me back many a time.” He truly loved his plane. Because of his youth in military service, his patriotism and love of country continued as a passion in his life. He loved recounting flight missions and war stories from his military service.

Mr. Decker returned to the states and married Laverne (Crangle) March 24, 1946, and they remained married for 56 years. The newlyweds moved back to Denver in order to allow Mutt to finish his accounting degree.

Upon his return to Durango, Mr. Decker was instrumental in the formation of the Fort Lewis College Business program where he taught for a short time. He then began to practice as a certified public accountant in Durango.

Mutt and Laverne retired and moved to Farmington in the late 1980’s. Laverne passed in 2002. At the proper time, Mutt was blessed with a new relationship, and he was married to Sheila McIvor on August 21, 2004, at a home ceremony. Sheila was a great blessing to “Jim” and gave him unconditional love even to the very end.

Mr. Decker loved woodworking and made each of his children a bedroom set of their choice. Mutt’s heart was devoted to gardening, and his love for roses kept him young forever.

Recently, Southwest Airlines flew him to Galveston, Texas, to make his last wish come true to honor his military career. This was a recent highlight in his life. The Lonestar Flight Museum prepared his original P-47D Thunderbolt aircraft and took it up for one last flight. Mr. Decker was proud of his hometown of Durango -- the logo on the front of his plane was “The Durango Demon.”

Mr. Decker is survived by his wife, Sheila Decker of Aztec, N.M., three daughters and their spouses: Jamie (Andrew) Lister of Salt Lake City, Utah; Renee Gallion and Vickie (Darrel) Clark, of Farmington, N.M.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laverne, and two sons, Thomas Duane and James Edward Decker.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lone Star Flight Museum, 2002 Terminal Dr., Galveston, TX 77554. The Lone Star Flight Museum can be contacted at www.lsfm.org.