John Austin Decker, Jr., known by his family and friends as Jr (Junior), passed away peacefully on March 26, 2017 following a 2 ½ year battle with metastatic melanoma. Jr had many sayings but the one he liked the most was "Go Big or Go Home." He lived life "big" and now he is "home" with the Heavenly Father.

Born in Flagstaff on May 4, 1966, he grew up and lived in the town he loved. Though he was just 50 years old, Jr lived more in his 50 years than many people twice his age. He made the most of every moment – whether he was outdoors hunting, roping, having a beer with new and life-long friends, laughing with his kids, reminiscing with family or dancing with his wife – Jr embraced life to the fullest.

Jr's departure from this world leaves a cavity in the lives and hearts of hundreds of friends and especially his family, including the love of his life and wife Laura; his children Harli, Trey and step-son Garrett; his parents John and Rosemary; his brother Joe and his wife Laura, and his sister Michelle and her husband Chris Erdmeir; niece and nephews Tanna, Chase, and Kobe.

John and Laura married on July 10, 2004. The two shared a very special love that was truly visible when others were around them, always holding hands and rarely apart. They built a home and business together; stood by each other in the good times and during difficult times, never wavering in their love and commitment; they cared for each other's family; and were passionately in love with each other.

In 2006, Jr acquired Bull Basin Archery. He was thrilled to have a business where he could share his expertise and passion for hunting and archery with others. He was well known throughout the region as an expert in the field of archery hunting. Friends and customers came from all over Arizona to share stories and purchase from Jr what they needed for a successful hunt. Bull Basin Archery is a thriving business due to Jr's excellent business sense and because he truly cared about his customers – he wanted to excite others about archery and was an honest man with tremendous integrity.

Jr considered his children Harli, age 24, and Trey, age 21 (from his previous marriage with Trisha Weaver), and step-son Garrett, age 27, the most important part of his life. He was an amazing father who always put his children first; they were an integral part of every aspect of his life.

He thoroughly enjoyed many interests in life including helping those in need, hunting, spending time in the woods, sports and watching his kids play hockey. He enjoyed and played baseball during his high school years for Coconino. Jr had many skills including construction and roping, both of which he learned from his father.

Jr began team roping when he was 8 years old; he quickly advanced from a Heeler to a very proficient Header. He attended Central Arizona College on a Rodeo Scholarship. Jr cherished his memories of roping with his family and friends.

John Austin Decker touched the lives of so many and he is, and will always, be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.

An open-house Celebration of Life will be Sunday, April 2, between 1 and 5 pm, at Viola's Flower Garden, located at S. State Route 89A, Flagstaff, AZ 86005. (Formerly Jackson's Grill, a half mile from the Coconino County Fairgrounds).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Flagstaff Archers for the Junior Decker Memorial Youth Archery Fund to support youth archery in Flagstaff. To donate, contact Martin at 928-853-2298. Cards can be mailed to Laura Decker, 6126 N. Wrangler Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.