James Decremer

He is now at peace, leaving behind cherished memories with his children, Sons Justin (Dawne) Decremer, Jason (Carina) Decremer, Daughters Robyn Godfrey, and Lori (Dean) Creeger.

Grandchildren include Kory (Katie) Decremer, Jesse Godfrey, Jacob (Hailey) Godfrey, Joey Godfrey, Shannon (Travis) Shavlik, BillieJoe (John) Jensen, Brandon Decremer, Carson, Vivian and Asher Decremer, his loving former wife Mary Decremer, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Justin Decremer and Norma (Porath), brother Robert (Bob), sister Viola Cole and son Joseph L. Decremer.

Jim was born in Perkins, Michigan in 1942 in the house his grandparents Florian and Virginia Decremer built in 1911 on North Road, 33rd Lane. It was here that Jim’s sense of family was likely nurtured, as the lumber mill, farmstead and home were a hub of activity, work, play and gatherings surrounded by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and others. No doubt, Jim listened to the many larger-than-life elders share engaging stories and adventures, shaping him to be his own spirited and adventurous soul. He embraced the notion that was once stated in newspaper article by his Uncle Frank Decremer: “We were born lumberjacks, it looks to me,” which Jim exemplified by hard work, hard playing, industriousness, and mischievousness.

Jim was passionate about the Decremer family history and was proud to come from a long line of Decremers dating back to the 1600s in Belgium. Jim took an avid interest in family genealogy and took road trips with younger relatives to conduct research. He was proud to learn that his grandparents were explorers, heading out on a difficult journey from Wisconsin in 1906 to Perkins, buying land and starting a lumber mill. About 50 years prior, his great-great grandpa Henri Decremer took the ultimate journey from Belgium to Wisconsin with seven children who would go on to carve out large families and interesting lives.

Throughout his life, and just like his ancestors, Jim was always busy with something or on the go, never afraid to take on a new hobby, passion or community endeavor.

Jim graduated from Perkins High School and was greatly influenced by the 4-H club growing up, learning to be of service to others. After high school, Jim worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring as a foreman.

He left a legacy through his tireless volunteerism with several organizations. At the Perkins, Rapid River and Wells Lions Clubs, he attained the position of Past District Governor for the Lions International Club. He coached Little League Baseball for years, served as Fire Chief and volunteer fireman for Rapid River, and was active in Leader Dogs for the Blind. He was also operator of the Rapid River Dairy Flo for 11 years.

All his close and extended family would testify that Jim loved to be the center of attention at family events and he cherished those times. He made many Decremer Family Reunions unforgettable, whether it was spending hours cooking the meat, dressing up as Sasquatch to scare kids and adults alike, or starting/encouraging a bottle rocket fireworks fight.

His lifelong mission was caretaking for the Decremer Deer Camp, carrying on a legacy started by his dad. He also dabbled in new adventures like his cherished Sugar Shack, where he made amazing maple syrup and smoked meats and venison jerky in his smoker.

Jim was a passionate Civil War buff, collector of memorabilia and participated in war reenactments. When he found out Decremer ancestors fought in the Civil War, he dug in even more.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.