James C. Den Decker

Sodus Point - James C. Den Decker, 77 entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Leo Center at St. Ann's Home.

     Fulfilling Jim's wishes there will be no prior calling hours or Funeral Service.  Family will greet friends at a graveside service on Tuesday, September 13, at 1 p.m. in Fairville Cemetery located just west of Route 88 on Fairville Maple Ridge Road.  A special friend and neighbor, Father Charles Latus, will give the service.

     In memory of Jim, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Leo Center at St. Ann's Home, 1500 Portland Ave, Rochester, 14621.

     James was born the son of the late William and Dorothy (Soliman) Den Decker on Tuesday, October 11, 1938 in Newark, NY.  He was a graduate of Newark High School, class of 1956.  Jim had a passion for motorcycles and sports cars.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling by train across the US and Canada.

     Jim's primary trade was a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the International Operating Engineers local 832 for over 30 years.  His interest in heavy equipment began as a teenager working with his father, clearing snow from the stretch of tracks between Weedsport to Palmyra, NY for the NY Central Railroad.

     Jim was a master carpenter and along with his father built the Rail Tavern on Murray Street in Newark.  After his father's death in 1969, Jim and his wife Vivian purchased the Rail from his mother and operated the bar for several years.

     From 1985 - 2011, he and his wife owned and operated the "Carriage House Inn", an award winning bed and breakfast in Sodus Point, NY.  Voted by their guests as the #1 B&B for the "Most Hospitality" in 2005 and #1 Bed and Breakfast in North America by Arrington Inn B&B magazine in 2006.  Jim and Vivian have lived in Sodus Point for 37 years.  During the restoration of the historical old lighthouse, Jim donated his time to regrade the surrounding lighthouse land area that is now the park.  George Arney, the Supervisor for the Town of Sodus, contacted Jim and turned over the keys of the town bulldozer, to regrade the land.

     Jim was a member of the Newark VFW, Newark American Legion, Lyons Rod and Gun Club and St. Michaels Church in Newark.

     The funeral home proudly flies the Army Flag in honor of Jim's service to our country.

     Jim will be greatly missed by his high school sweetheart, Vivian (Goodman), who he has been married to for the last 55 years; sister Carolyn (Tom Frett) Den Decker of Florida, nieces Debbie (Kozlowski) Bond and Tammy (Kozlowski) Gullo; nephew Glen House; special friend Maggie, his dog.

     James was predeceased by his sister Donna (Den Decker) House.

     You may write a memory or condolence to the family by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com

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