A photo of Jeff Monreal, owner and operator of Jeff Monreal Funeral Homes posing in a black suit with no background

Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

James David Aker

01/03/1954 — 06/27/2022

A professional photo of James David Aker wearing his Lieutenant uniform posing for the camera

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

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10 Replies to “James David Aker”

  1. Lynn&Margie Townhill June 28, 2022 at 9:00 pm

    We were so sorry to hear this sadness has overcome you and your family. Our prayers are with you.

    Reply

  2. You will be missed by many Uncle Jim. We are never ready to say goodbye forever, even though we know it is a part of life. Our hearts are heavy for losing someone so close to us, but we also celebrate your life as we mourn your passing. Thank you for your service and taking great care of our family. Give Grandma and Uncle John a hug for me. Rest in peace……

    Reply

  3. Raymond and Carol Ritchey June 29, 2022 at 12:08 am

    Our sincere condolences on your loss. May God’s love surround you during this difficult time

    Reply

  4. Doug and Jackie Jones June 29, 2022 at 1:07 am

    Sandy, so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers are with you!

    Reply

  5. So, so sad to hear that our friend Jim has passed.
    I’ll bet heaven is quite spectacular….RIP Jim

    Reply

  6. Greg, I am so sorry to hear about your dad.

    Reply

  7. The Foster Family June 29, 2022 at 6:02 pm

    We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. We hold all of you in prayer, and know that Jesus holds Jim in His Everloving arms. He was a wonderful and caring neighbor, and a man who was loved much by his precious family. Prayers for comfort and peace.

    Reply

  8. Sue Stuble (Schmidt) July 1, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    Rest In Peace my longtime friend!

    Reply

  9. Tim and Sue Albee July 2, 2022 at 11:51 am

    We have lost a true ” gentle man” who quietly and steadfastly passed through this life making it a better place for anyone who knew him. The only thing that was able to shatter his strength and spirit was this horrible monster called cancer. He fought the disease and the fear with all he had. So proud of my brother and the legacy he leaves in so many hearts.

    Reply

  10. Jennifer, Mike, and Juliet Malainy July 3, 2022 at 11:17 am

    Our deepest condolences. May God comfort you during this time.

    Reply

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