James “Jim” Edward DeCocker, age 81, of Deerfield, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on November 13, 1943, in Marshall, Michigan, to Gomar and Catherine (Iott) DeCocker. He graduated from Deerfield High School in 1961 and went on to build a life rooted in hard work and dedication.
On September 12, 1964, Jim married Kathleen Mary Wernet at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio. Together they shared over 61 years of intense love and a strong commitment to the Catholic faith in raising six children. The children today are comforted in knowing that he had a secret pride in all of them.
A lifetime member of Light of Christ Parish (St Alphonsus) in Deerfield, Jim found strength through his faith. He devoted much of his life to working with his dad and brother, John, on DeCocker Farms, where he took pride in every task. He started every day with a coffee, cigar and a novel. His passion was in solving problems by fabricating, welding, inventing, teaching those who wanted to learn and fixing anything presented to him and his brother. After a hard days work, the shop was open for friends to share a scotch.
The extended family enjoyed gathering on Saturday after church for happy hour which included food and drinks, good stories and laughs – even if he preferred listening over talking. He also enjoyed a Sunday afternoon ride on his motorcycle around his home town.
To cherish his memory, Jim leaves his loving wife, Kathy; a son, Gomar DeCocker; five daughters: Lucy (Brian) Pirolli, Laura (Kevin) DeCocker, Elizabeth (Mark) Dornbusch, Heather (Tony) Koulchar, and Julie (Brent) Lievens; a brother, John (Jeanne) DeCocker; four sisters: Anne West, Monica Kastel, Christina (Phil) Freer, and Jeanne (Ken) DeCocker; 16 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gomar and Catherine; sister, Margaret DeCocker; and two brothers-in-law, Joe West and John Kastel.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends for a celebration of life at the Light of Christ Parish, Deerfield, on Friday, November 28, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am.
Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made to Light of Christ Parish. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.