James Dechant

JAMES F. DeCHANT age 88, beloved husband for 62 years of Alverda (nee Solensky); loving father of Hallie DeChant (husband Thomas Bowne), Hillary DeFrancesco (husband Gary), Becket (Christina Bentrup), and Campion (wife Dana Boucher); devoted grandfather of Gabriella and Olivia DeFrancesco, Theodora, Magdalena and Gregory Bowne; cherished son of the late Justin A. and Regina (nee Urig); dearest brother of the late Thomas (wife Frances); dear brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle of many.

Jim was born on June 23, 1931 and died on January 10, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a resident of Beachwood for 60 years. Jim was a proud parishioner of Gesu Catholic Church for 60 years where he was a Eucharistic Minister. He was a 1949 graduate of Saint Ignatius High School and a 1953 graduate of John Carroll University. Jim was very involved in John Carroll’s Little Theatre. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alverda, in a production of The Glass Menagerie. His love of theatre and classical music continued throughout his life. Jim and Alverda enjoyed many nights at the symphony, listening to the Cleveland Orchestra. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army. He especially loved traveling. Jim and Alverda enthusiastically traveled the world while James worked as an executive for a Norwegian shipping company. He was also an avid tennis player, a master gardener and a volunteer at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Jim will be remembered as an honest, helpful, loving, social and easy-going man. He loved to laugh and enjoyed watching Roadrunner cartoons and slapstick comedies. Best of all, he loved to dance with his wife, on the dance floor or in the kitchen to songs on the radio.  Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. His calming presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Contributions may be made in memory of James to Saint Ignatius High School, John Carroll University or Crossroads Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM Friday, January 17, 2020 at Gesu Catholic Church. Burial following with Military Honors at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of James at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) THURSDAY 4-7 PM.