James G. “Jim” Akers, 67, of Manville died peacefully Sunday evening June 9, 2024 at Hope Hospice in Providence. Jim passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Susan E. (St. Germain) Akers. Jim and Sue were married on September 26, 1981 at St. Agatha’s Church and shared over 42 years mutually devoted to each other.
Born in Pawtucket he was a son of Stasha (Kujawski) Akers of Manville and the late James Lee Akers who passed away in October 2010. Jim was a lifelong resident of Manville and a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1975.Jim received his degree in chemical technology from Rhode Island Junior College. In his earlier years he worked at Colby Glass and Ernie’s Auto Repair.
Jim’s life’s work, his true calling in life, was as a firefighter. Jim served as a member of the Manville Fire Department for nearly 50 years in one capacity or another. Jim began his career as an emergency medical technician in 1974. He was a graduate of the Rhode Island Fire Academy class of 1985. Jim rose through the ranks of Manville Fire and served as Chief of Department from 1994-2001. He continued his service to his beloved department unto recent times as Fire Warden, a position he held until the time of his passing. Jim was a Firefighter, through and through, until his last breath. Jim also served the Town of Lincoln as a member of the Lincoln Rescue for many years.
Jim continued his studies at Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) earning his Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree and phlebotomist training and certification.
Jim was a member of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association, the New England Fire Chief’s Association and the Rhode Island Volunteer Firefighters. He was also a member of the Manville Sportsmen’s Club. Jim enjoyed the outdoors while camping, fly fishing and hunting especially around the Rochambeau and Buck Hill Wildlife Management areas. Jim was an avid coin and stamp collector and was a member of the Rhode Island Numismatic Society.
Never one to be without his iced coffee’s, Jim was a self-professed “Dunkin afficiando”. He knew a good coffee, iced or hot, and boy oh boy; it sure did hit the spot.
Jim will be remembered for his friendly and cheerful outlook on life. He truly enjoyed serving his community and helping others. Even in the face of his struggle with cancer Jim was determined to live each day to the fullest and love his family with all of his heart.
Jim is survived by his wife Sue and his mother Stasha. He was the devoted dad to his daughter Amanda (Akers) Nobile of Manville and the super proud grandpa to Cecilia, Juliet and Jeffrey Nobile. Jim was the brother of Patricia K.V. (Akers) Shirley of Manville and her late husband David Shirley who passed away in 2002. Jim is also survived by Sue’s family including Linda and Marc Cotnoir of Woonsocket and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was the son-in-law of the late Woonsocket Fire Department Deputy Chief Ralph W. St. Germain and his wife Constance (Dubois) St. Germain.
Everyone is invited to honor, remember and pray for Jim at his funeral Saturday June 15, 2024 at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Holy Trinity Parish (OLQM Church) on Park Ave. in Woonsocket. Jim will be laid to rest at St. James Cemetery in Manville. Visiting hours are Friday June 14th from 4:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
www.menardfuneralhome.com