On Monday, February 18th, 2019 Jack Decker passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Jack was born in Monterey, California on May 3, 1927 to Lora Poe and Harry David Decker. He was the youngest of 7 children and weighing less than 3 lbs. he was not expected to live very long.  He defied the odds and his long life was no surprise to those that knew and loved "Bad Jack". Jack spent his childhood in southern California where he attended Englewood High School. There he was a member of the tennis and basketball team and earned his letter in both sports. He graduated from high school in 1945.

In 1947, Jack earned a certificate in Mechanical Engineering from The Frank Wiggins Trade School in Los Angeles. After earning his certificate, Jack began a successful career as a draftsman at North American Aviation.

In 1957, Jack met and married his lifelong sweetheart Margaret Alice "Peggy" Christie. Jack and Peggy were married more than 48 years and he lovingly shared happy stories and memories of their life together to any and all that knew him.

"Bad Jack" spent his entire career in Aerospace; he was a true pioneer and "Rocket Scientist". After leaving North American, he joined Northrop, then went on to Ryan Aeronautical, Zenith Aircraft, Rheem Manufacturing, and finally the remainder of his career was spent with Lockheed. For 32 years, Jack worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space Division. Much of Jack's work was top secret; however, he was recognized for his many contributions on Lockheed's missile and satellite projects and even some Space Shuttle launches. He will forever be remembered through his contributions to aerospace, some of which are currently on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Jack retired from Lockheed Martin Corporation in December 1989 and relocated to Arizona and finally to Texas.  Jack loved golf and pursued it like all of his accomplishments. He hit a hole-in-one shortly after he retired and then happily gave up the game preferring to go out a winner. Jack's love of golf never wavered. Long after he gave it up, he could be found on his back patio overlooking the 6 ^th green, offering advice or chuckling at the golfers over a missed pitch or putt.

Jack loved mathematics and numbers and enjoyed a quest for learning his entire life. He deeply loved his family and was very proud of their many accomplishments. "Bad Jack" could be counted on to bring a laugh or smile with his keen sense of humor and sharp wit. We will forever miss his sweet smile, fun-loving spirit, bourbon infused "Happy Hours" and feats of calculating the odds and quick math. "Bad Jack" lived a full life, was a wonderful man and deeply loved by all those lucky enough to know him. He will be sorely missed.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and his wife of 48 years, Peggy.  He is survived by his loving son, Brian Decker and wife Cynthia Hopkins; and their children: Cameron Hopkins and Alexis Hopkins of Georgetown, TX.

Memorial donations in memory of Jack may be made to The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

You may leave a message or memory in the online guestbook by following the link down below.