James Arlen Ecker

James Arlen Ecker was born on August 28, 1963 in Springfield, Massachusetts
to parents John Leonard Ecker and Irene Drouse Ecker. He was raised in the city of Wilbraham. Arlen was a 1989 graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his MBA from the University of Texas in 2000. He was a United States Army veteran and proudly served his country in Operation Desert Storm. Arlen married Paula Brown in 2001 and together they have two wonderful sons. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. His love for children was paramount in his life as he spent countless hours nurturing, teaching and enjoying their lives together. Arlen also had a passion for music and was an accomplished, self-taught musician. An additional hobby he loved was playing ice hockey. Arlen's life ended much too soon at the age of 46 on January 20, 2010. He is survived by his devoted wife Paula Ecker, sons Ryan James Ecker and Jack Arlen Ecker, siblings Leonard Ecker, Mark Ecker and wife Debbie and Jennie Ecker, his mother-in-law Barbara Brown, brothers-in-law Steve Brown, Jeff Brown and wife Pam, Bob Brown and wife Heather and numerous nieces and nephews. Arlen was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Paul Brown. A funeral service in which Arlen's life will be honored will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Plano Bible Chapel, 1900 Shiloh Road, Plano, Texas 75074. Following the service, Arlen will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

If desired, memorials may be made to Ryan and Jack Ecker's college fund.

Mail to: Paula Ecker, 740 Snowden Dr., Richardson, TX. 75080

(Checks made to: Vanguard 529 College Plan)