James “Jim” Edgar Deckard

James “Jim” Edgar Deckard, a lifelong resident and dedicated servant of Benton County, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Born on January 18, 1947, to Melvin and Helen (Sweet) Deckard. Jim experienced loss early in life when his father passed away when he was just an infant. Helen later married Gordon Bruner, who lovingly raised Jim and became an important father figure in his life. Jim grew up in Templeton, Indiana, where he developed the strong values of hard work, service, and community that would serve him throughout his life. He would also instill these values in his children.

On March 9, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Stephanie Jane Mahoney. Together they built a beautiful life in Oxford, Indiana, where they raised their seven children and created a home centered on faith, family, and community. Jim was a proud lifelong resident of Benton County and devoted much of his life to improving the community he loved.

Jim worked in banking and agri-business in Benton County for more than 40 years, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. He was especially proud of his service to his country as a United States Navy veteran, serving honorably from April 1966 to June 1970. He was also a former member of AMVETS and the American Legion.

His commitment to Benton County was evident through decades of leadership and volunteer service. Jim served on numerous boards, committees, and organizations, always striving to make his community stronger for future generations. His many roles included serving as a member of the Board of Directors of The Farmers and Merchants Bank; board member and treasurer of the Oxford Catholic Cemetery Association; charter board member of the Benton Community Foundation; council member and President of the Oxford Town Council; member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church Board of Finance; member of the Oxford Public Library Board; Oak Grove Township Trustee; member of the Benton Community School Board of Trustees; member of the Benton County Sheriff Merit Board; member of the Committee for Better Schools; member of the Oxford Elementary School P.L. 221 Committee; member of the Community Alliances to Promote Education (Lilly Endowment CAPE Initiative); member of the Benton County Economic Development Board; and a member of Rotary International, Toastmasters International, Kiwanis International, Lions International, Community Action Programs of Western Indiana, and the Advisory Board of Directors of Maize Agri-products.

Above all else, Jim was very proud and devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Stephanie; and their seven children: Kristin (Mick) Davis, Danielle (Todd) Payne, Neil (Rita) Deckard, Erin (Greg) Williams, Nicholas (Kavita) Deckard, Kaitlyn (David) Landon, and Colin (Amanda) Deckard. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who lovingly called him “Grampy”, his sister Diane Reid, his “should have been brother,” John “Uncle Shorty” MacOwan (Sue), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Deckard, Gordon and Helen Bruner, and his brother, Kenneth Deckard.

Jim’s legacy of faith, service, leadership, and devotion to family and community will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be given to Benton Community Foundation, 98 S. 100 E., Fowler, IN 47944 or online at www.bentoncf.org or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at www.t2t.org

A memorial visitation will be Friday, May 29, from 10:00 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am, at St. Patrick Parish Center, 504 S. Michigan St, Oxford, IN 47971.

Inurnment will follow at Oxford Catholic Cemetery, 603 S. Michigan St., Oxford, IN 47971.