James David Aker, age 68 of Mentor, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He fought a four-year battle, but succumbed to cancer on June 27th, the 10th anniversary of his mother’s death.
Jim loved his devoted son Greg and “adopted” son by marriage, Jim Stahle. Although a step-dad to Kristy, an unspoken bond, filled with love, expressed not by words, but action, as she helped take care of him in his final days. Jim’s ultimate joy was his little buddy and grandson, Anthony, together making so many memories that will live in Anthony forever. His greatest love and wife of 24 years, Sandy, who thought of him as her hero, will hold him in her heart until she can hold him again in Heaven.
Jim proudly served as a police officer with the City of Wickliffe from 1979 until he retired in 2009 as a Lieutenant. He loved riding and working on cars and motorcycles. He was meticulous on his lawn, cars, and motorcycles. He especially loved traveling and going on cruises with his wife, especially their Hawaii trip.
Jim is the loving husband of Sandy (Burkhart-Zalar) Aker, beloved father of Greg (Stephanie Randolph) Aker, step father of Kristina (James) Stahle; father of Meredith Aker and step father of Steven Zalar; cherished grandfather of Anthony Stahle; son of the late Mildred and John Aker; dearest brother of Susan (Tim) Albee, Jeff (Karen) Aker and the late John (Barbara) Aker; son in law of the late Fred and Lucy Burkhart; brother in law of Fred (Linda) Burkhart, Marty (Vickie) Burkhart, Bonnie (Frank) Dea and the late Ronald Burkhart; uncle and cousin of many.
The Aker family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, July 1st, 2022 at McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal of Jeff Monreal Funeral & Cremation Services.
To leave condolences visit: www.JeffMonrealFuneralHome.com
