JAMES DeCAMP

SPENCERVILLE — James A. "Papa Smurf" DeCamp, Sr., 76 of Spencerville, died at 7:13 PM Thursday, March 24, 2016 at St.Rita's Medical Center Emergency Dept. following a sudden illness.

He was born October14, 1939 in Hartford City, IN., a son of Rev. John E. and Carol C. Smith DeCamp, Sr., who are deceased. On July 3, 1965 he married Sandra Kay "Sandy" Trippy, who survives, along with four children; Carol (John) Carnes of Spencerville; Virginia (Michael) Combs of Charleston, S.C.; Arlene (Jim) DeLuca, Jr of Warren, IN. and Jim (Annette) DeCamp, Jr. of Amelia, Ohio; 11 grand and 10 great grand children and two sisters-in-law; Jean DeCamp of Upland, IN. and Carol Miller of Spencerville.

He was preceded in death by two siblings; John E. DeCamp ,Jr., and JoAn (Bill) Paris.

After attending Hartford City High School, Jim served in the Army National Guard.

He was a retired Tool & Die Maker, having worked at Ohio Decorative Products, Clark Equipment and retired from General Dynamics, Lima Tank Plant after working there 10 years.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 191, a life member of VFW Post 6772 Mens Auxiliary , the Chained Eagles of Ohio and the Northwest Ohio Field and Stream Assn. He loved to ride his Honda Tryke with his wife Sandy.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Tuesday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Tom Shobe officiating. Burial will follow in Spencerville Cemetery with military rites by the Spencerville Veterans.

Friends may call from 2 until 8 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Clown Unit.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.