James Pascal Akers, 88, of Enterprise, died at 6 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 27, 2008) at his residence. He was born in Fayetteville on Sept. 24, 1920, a son of the late Eddie Griffin and Lilly Craig Akers. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clara Lee Curry Akers, whom he married Dec. 2, 1939. Also surviving are two sons, Randall Akers and his wife Jeanne of Enterprise and James "Butch" Akers and his wife Sandra of Shinnston; three daughters, Ellen Jane Parks and her husband Barry of Fairmont, Sherry Lee Strait and her husband Robert of Shinnston and Susan Russell of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; 12 grandchildren, Randy Akers, Pam Akers, Denise Harbert, Darla Martin, "Jimbo" Akers, Sheryl Bland, Tracie Altovilla, Lee Ann Vincent, Lori Strait, Rob Strait, Beth Russell and Amanda Russell; 24 great-grandchildren, Johnna Akers, David Akers, Victoria Harbert, Christopher Harbert, Ernie Martin, Dusti Akers, Dustin Akers, Mariah Akers, Shayla Akers, Shanna Akers, Kristen Akers, Bryan Gregory, Zachary McElwayne, Maverick Altovilla, Marissa Altovilla, Kylee Ann Linger, Keaton Linger, Madelyn Strait, Abigail Strait, Lillian Strait, Tiara Strait, Dawson Bland, Jadyn Bland and Makayla McElwayne; two great-great grandchildren, Skylar Martin and Ashley Martin; one brother, Jack Akers of Enterprise; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Linda Lee Akers; one great-great grandson, Hunter Lane; one brother, Willie "Bill" Akers; and two sisters, Ruby Smith and Ruth Vandenburg. Mr. Akers worked at the Bethlehem Steel Mine in Idamay for 38 years and then retired from Eastern Gas and Fuel at Grant Town with six years service. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army. He was a 50-year member of the St. Johns #24 A.F. and A.M. in Shinnston and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason with membership in both Clarksburg and Wheeling bodies. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, spending time with the grandchildren and being a wonderful "Papaw." Friends may call at the Perine Funeral Home, Rt. 19 South, Shinnston, from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery.
Published in the Times West Virginian from 12/28/2008 - 12/29/2008