James L. Akers, 77, of Main St., Manville, died Thursday at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Stasha (Kujawski) Akers. They were married on June 23, 1955.
Born in Fries, Virginia, he was a son of the late Theodore and Ethel Minnie (Quesenbury) Akers. He was raised in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of Virginia and was a resident of Manville since 1956.
Upon relocating to Manville Mr. Akers worked as both a truck and cab driver in the Woonsocket area. He was later employment at Crosby Valve & Gauge. He developed such a proficiency in his trade that he was authorized to work as a nuclear machinist with special clearance.
Mr. Akers later worked as a veterinary assistant in Pawtucket, for Coast-to-Coast Construction Co. in Cumberland, and as a mechanic and technician for several other firms in the area. In his retirement years he started his own business, Akers Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Service.
Jim was a longtime member of the Manville Sportsmen’s Club, and was an accomplished woodworker. His other hobbies included beekeeping and working in the fields at the former Oblate Fathers property in Cumberland. He was known for his efforts to cultivate an abundant harvest and manning the local roadside vegetable stand.
Jim will be most remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and a man who instilled the value of hard work in his family by his example.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by a son, James G. Akers (Manville Fire Chief-Ret.), and his wife Susan, of Manville, a daughter Patricia K.V. Shirley of Cumberland, and a granddaughter Amanda L. Akers of Manville. He was the brother of Larry W. Akers, of VA, Roy T. Akers of CA, Lonnie Akers, Allan Bryant, Lucille Hall, Mildred Sweeney, Willowdeen Pack, Nora Coe, all of VA, and the late Everett Akers and Donna Nelson and father-in-law of the late David T. Shirley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
His funeral will be Tuesday at 9:00 am from the Menard Funeral Home, 71 Central St., Manville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. James Church, Division St., Manville. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Manville. Visiting hours are Monday from 5-8 pm. Memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI. 02914
www.menardfuneralhome.com