James E. Decker "Gene", age 93 of Cincinnati, Ohio, a gentle, kind, sweet soul passed away suddenly on December 10, 2024. He was born to Roy and Elnora Decker on September 24, 1931 and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, the eldest of five children.

After his High School graduation, he joined the Air force in 1951 where he proudly served his county during the Korean War. He was Honorably discharged with a National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medal. He worked in the trucking Industry and spent the majority of his career as a truck driver for Mason Dixon Trucking. Gene was a devoted and loving son, brother, father and grandfather who spent every Sunday visiting his mother and family for Sunday dinner up until her passing at the age of 95. A Native born and raised in Cincinnati he was a true Reds and Bengals fan who spent lots of time in his later years watching with his grandson Matthew. He loved spending time with his family, watching westerns and eating good southern food.  His favorite meal was fried chicken but most of all the Apple Pie- "just a small piece".

Gene is preceded in death by his father, Roy E. Decker, mother Elnora (nee Rogers) Decker, wife Ella Jean (nee Noel) Decker, brother Harlin "Pete" Decker, grandson Michael Madden, granddaughter Nicole Wilson, daughter Ginger Moore and son in law Russell McClure.

Gene is survived by his daughter Jacqueline (Karl) Adkins, daughter Carla McClure, son Rickey (Sonja) Wilson, three sisters Jeanette Neil, Shirly Fultz, Joyce Benge, one aunt Ruth Cole, son in law Donald Moore, grandsons Matthew Grubbs, Carl (Sherri) McClure, Donald Moore Jr., John Moore, Andrew (Shiori) Adkins, and Brandon Adkins. Granddaughters Isabella Adkins, Lisa (Tony) Fiore, Sandy (Dan) Bleh, Amber (Mike) Walker, Amanda Wilson, Brandi Wilson and seventeen great grand children Erick, Alexis, Carly, Shane, Cameron, John, Allison, Lauren, Jack, Grace, Vivienne, Cameron, Chaz, Lilly, Savanah, William, Malaya and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at Paul R. Young Funeral Home (Mt. Healthy) 7345 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45231 on Friday, December 20, 2024. Visitation will be 10am – 12pm with a service at noon followed by a procession to his final resting place at Baltimore Pike Cemetery 3200 Costello Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation:  www.makeawish.org