James "Jim" Howard Akers

Beloved husband of Mary Ann (nee Kozak). Loving father of Karen (Thomas) O’Malley.

Jim was preceded in death by mother Ruth Stalker (nee Jones), stepfather Exeverio Stalker, brother Richard Akers, sister Judy Reasbeck and brother Daniel Jeffers.

Jim is survived by brother Larry Akers (Kathleen), brother Thomas (Elaine) Stalker and sister Regina Lambert. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and beloved family and friends.

He was a long time resident of Penndel and previously, Philadelphia.

Jim grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 at the age of 17, sailing around the world twice and traveling to more than 20 countries. He was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Base in 1964, where he met his wife, Mary Ann. They married in 1969. He served in Vietnam from 1965-1966 on the U.S.S. Beale, and volunteered for another tour in Vietnam from 1967-1968, and was assigned to the Swift Boat PCF98 out of Cat-Lo. He was severely wounded in combat on May 12, 1968, spending a year recovering at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital.

Jim loved fishing, golfing, going to the casino, playing the lottery and traveling. He was a generous, kind, fun-loving man who was always willing to help. He fought much adversity in his life but still maintained a kind heart. He was a longtime employee of the Budd Company and worked at the Hunting Park plant in Philadelphia, where he had many lifetime friends.

He and Mary Ann enjoyed hosting family gatherings such as Christmas Eve dinner, summer crab parties and barbecues. Their dog Trixie was his constant companion for 17 years. For the past three years, Chloe has been his companion. Both pets brought him much love, happiness, comfort and peace.

A viewing for James will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056, followed by family eulogies. His funeral mass will occur at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 225 Bellevue Avenue, Penndel, Pennsylvania 19047. A burial with full military honors will take place at 1:30 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940.