Obit: James H. Acker

James H. Acker, retired Vero Beach Postmaster, died Monday, September 26, 2011 at the age of 89. Mr. Acker was born in Hamilton, OH September 4, 1922 and moved with his family to Vero Beach later that same year. He attended local schools and graduated from Vero Beach High School. He entered the postal service May 19, 1941 and retired after 37 years of service. During his years a Postmaster, he served as a member of the Florida District and sectional Center Managers Advisory Committees. He also served as Chairman for the Area Mail Service Improvement at Florida First Class Offices. He was a trainer postmaster for first-class officers. Mr. Acker was selected as the District Postmaster of the Year in 1975 and was awarded the Florida Postmaster of the Year designation in 1976. He was a member of the National Association of Postmasters.

After retiring in 1978, Mr. Acker joined the Indian River Federal Credit Union. He served as Treasurer, Director, and Manager until retiring in March, 1995. He then served as Chairman of the Credit Union Supervisory Committee until March, 2006.

During World War II, Mr. Acker served as a Navy Chief Petty Officer. During his service he was awarded the Combat Ribbon, Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal for Asia/Japan, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Ribbon, and Cold War Victory Medal.

He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He also was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The National Association of Atomic Veterans named him as a life member as did the National Association of Radiation Survivors. Mr. Acker was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church, serving in many capacities and organizations, including Parish Counsel. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

James is survived by his wife, Jean, of 65 years. He has two sons, David of Waycross, GA and Mark of Nashville, TN. His daughter Melissa lives in Mills River, NC. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Christian and John, and two great-grandchildren, Charles Frederick and Joseph Benjamin. His oldest son, James, preceded him in death in May, 2009. His granddaughter, Angela Marie, died in November, 1993.

The family will receive friends 4-7 PM, Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a prayer service at 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 10 AM at St. Helen Catholic Church. Interment with military honors conducted by VFW Post 3918 will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach. A reception will be held at the St. Helen Social Hall following the burial.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Helen Catholic Church Building Fund, 2000 20th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.coxgiffordseawinds.com