James Burton Dekam

James Burton DeKam, 77, of Battle Creek died peacefully at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

James was born December 30, 1942 in Portage, Michigan, the son of Burton and Helen (Jurgenson). He grew up in Portage and joined the U.S. Air Force. He trained in electronics and worked on aeronautical electrical systems, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Jim retired from Post Cereals, where he worked with computers and electronics. Previously, he was employed by Honeywell International, Inc., working on electronic equipment.

James married Mary L. McCarthy on August 14, 1993 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, Mary; daughter, Debra (Kevin Phelan) DeKam Phelan of Vail, AZ; stepdaughter, Erinn (Robert) Waldner of New York, NY; granddaughters, Maureen and Madeleine Waldner; sisters, Carolyn Lilly, Nancy Burson and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. James was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Benjamin and Jerry DeKam.

James was a member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church and St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church in San Benito, TX. Throughout his life, James loved electronics, from building and racing RC (Remote Control) cars, as well as building and flying RC planes, and most recently working on a RC boat. He was a gamer, having enjoyed the first generation of home video gaming systems with his daughter and continuing his fascination as the technology continued to develop through the decades. His favorite pastimes included computer simulations and playing music on his keyboard or guitar; and listening to blues, country, 50s, 60s and 70's music. Jim also enjoyed being outdoors. In his earlier years, he played some golf, enjoyed camping, spending time at the lake with family and could be seen water skiing with his brother Jerry on occasion. James will be remembered as a man of intention, integrity, and devotion to those whom he loved.

Military honors by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Fort Custer Honor Guard and committal by Rev. John D. Fleckenstein will be held 12:00 noon Friday, November 13, 2020 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Military honors and committal prayers will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting https:/ https://vimeo.com/live/478927358/settings

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. John D. Fleckenstein 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2020 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Friends were received the hour prior to services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Tumor Foundation at ctf.org. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.
Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.