Obituary of James Akers

Mr. James William Akers, (aka Jim Akers), 70, of Otsego Street, Canajoharie NY, passed away October 28, 2023, having been a resident of the Palatine Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center since August 3, 2023. Born in Frederick, Wisconsin on May 18, 1953, the son of John Churchman Akers and Marjorie Gore Akers, who predeceased him. 

He graduated from Canajoharie Central High School in June 1971, where he was a member of the Safety Squad, Ski Club, and Targeteers. James was active in Track and Field his junior year and was VP of the Targeteers his senior year. He also received honors at the Canajoharie High School Science Fair. He went on to attend SUNY Cobleskill in Cobleskill, NY where he played lacrosse in 1973, and Unity College, aka Unity Environmental University, in Unity, Maine. James was a member of "Christians for Mountains" in Dunmore, W. Virginia; Curtiss Cornerstone Chapel in Curtiss Corners, NY; Member of the Church of the Transfiguration, Long Lake, NY; Caroga Fish and Game Club in the Town of Caroga, Fulton Co, NY; Canada Lake Ski Club; Canada Lake Sailing Club, Canada Lake, NY; Fort Klock Restoration Group; Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, NY; Schoharie County Historical Society, Schoharie, NY; New York State Muzzle-Loaders Association Inc. While he was in his youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a Junior member of the NRA (1971), where he was junior sectional champion, and the United Methodist Church. Jim won first prize for a painting at the Montgomery Co. Fair, Fonda, NY during his Junior year in high school and won a sailing trophy from the Canada Lake Sailing Club in the 1960's. He also was part of team 5-1 NYS Federation of Search and Rescue and the NRA. Jim was well known for giving rides and food to people when they needed assistance. He was an active backpacker in the Adirondacks, and a member of the Cherry Valley Fish, Game and Forest Club and knowledgeable in Zoology, Agriculture, Anthropology and Ornithology. He also spent some time collecting antique bottles.

He is survived by his brother John Michael Akers, and several cousins.

James faced death courageously and peacefully and his cremated remains will be interned at the family plot on November 13, 2023, at the Canajoharie Falls Cemetery.