James W. Decatur

James William Decatur (Jim/Jimmy) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 11, 2025, at the age of 57. Jim was born on August 17, 1967, in New London, NH. He graduated from Keene High School in Keene, NH, where he was an accomplished track and field athlete and a standout in cross- country, consistently finishing in the top three at every meet. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy as a cook aboard the USS Narwhal Submarine. Jim had a love for travel and adventure. He lived in Orlando, Florida, for six years, where he worked as a security guard at the Hard Rock Hotel. Later, he moved to Maryland to be near his mother, Maryetta, and stepfather, John Dynan. While there, he continued his passion for helping others, working as a security officer at Cambridge Hospital for five years. Always open to new experiences, Jim once said, “I think I’ll try massage therapy,” and true to his adventurous spirit, he graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2012. However, after experiencing muscle weakness, he was diagnosed with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (DM) that same year, beginning a courageous journey of resilience and strength. Following the passing of his beloved sister, Kimberly, in 2018, Jim relocated to Colorado with his mother and John to be closer to his beloved brother, Joel, Joel’s wife, Laura, and his cherished nephew, Trust. Jim’s brothers, Joel and Kyle, his father, Everett, cousin Thorin, and their families gathered often, sharing belly laughs over family stories and making sure Jim was always included in “guy” outings. Jim had a lifelong passion for baseball and was an unwavering Boston Red Sox fan. His knowledge of the game and its players was encyclopedic. He also found comfort in his spirituality, becoming a Reiki Master, using the practice to maintain his emotional and physical well-being as best as possible. Jim was known for his kindness, fairness, and sense of humor. Socializing was one of his greatest joys, and he was a loyal friend to many. As one of his grade school teachers once said, “To know Jimmy is to love him.” His friends and classmates could always count on his unwavering support and generosity. His mother, Maryetta, describes him as "one of my three shining stars" and remembers his warm smile, strong spirit, and deep love for fairness and honesty. "Jim had a determined and contemplative nature, with just a little stubbornness," she recalls, "but above all, he loved with all his heart." Jim is predeceased by his beloved sister, Kimberly Jayne Austin (2018). He is survived by his loving mother, Maryetta of Colorado; father, Everett Decatur Jr. (wife, Betty) of Colorado; stepfather of 35 years, John Dynan of Colorado; brother, Joel Decatur (wife, Laura, son, Trust) of Colorado; brother, Kyle Decatur (wife, Danielle); stepbrother, Paul Dynan (wife, Justine, sons, George and Henry) of Maryland; and cousin, Thorin Decatur (wife, Christy, daughter Rosie, son, Charlie) of Colorado. He was deeply loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his Aunt Robin Reed of NH and NH cousin, Crystal Granger. Jim’s passing also left a hole in the heart of his dedicated and cherished caregiver and friend of five years, Christy Terrell, of Colorado. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no funeral or calling hours. The family will celebrate his life in Colorado at a later date. Jim will be remembered for his love of people, his unwavering kindness, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Jim’s life, please consider a contribution to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (www.myotonic.org), an organization that was meaningful to him and his family.