JAMES LESLIE DEKETT

Jim was born July 25, 1933 in Alpena to the late Lesley and Esther (Burnham) Dekett. Jim graduated from Alpena High School and enlisted with the U.S. Army shortly after. He was blessed with the companionship of his wife Darlene Nehring for 64 years as the two were married on Aug. 25, 1956. Jim grew up on the water which gave way to his passions for boating and fishing. He also enjoyed camping. Jim was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Jim is survived by his wife Darlene, three children; Michael (Kathy) Dekett, Karen (Gordon) Suszek, David Dekett, his sister Sally (Dale) Cadarette, two grandchildren; Jeremy and Marco, and his great-grandson Nikolai. He was preceded in death by three siblings; Shirley Sears, Thomas Dekett, and Jean Sustman.

Jim has been taken for cremation with a graveside service to be held at Grace Lutheran Cemetery on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tom Orth officiating. Please consider a memorial donation to Grace Lutheran Church or Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements are in the care of McWilliams Funeral Home. Online condolences can be registered at www.mcwilliamsfh.com.