Major Jim Ackerman

Jim Ackerman (Major, US Army) will be remembered most for his unassuming, kind and easygoing nature. He was a romantic and loving husband, gentle, involved father and loyal friend. He departed his final duty station on 8 January 2019 in the comfort of his own home after years of struggle with complications related to cancer.

Regardless of his challenges, Jim was always a true gentleman, quick to greet you with a smile and his devoted attention. He was a responsible and compassionate man who did not pass judgment on others, but was always available for counsel.

Jim’s internal compass was not only navigationally accurate, but always morally true, a guiding needle showing all of us the “right” way. Jim was born in Coalinga, California and grew up in the “American Graffiti” era of hot rods and cruising in the coastal California farming community of Oxnard, California. He attended college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California and Fresno State College.

Through mutual family connections, he met his beautiful wife Ellen of more than 50 years, beginning a hometown romance that lasted a lifetime. They were married shortly before Jim was selected for US Army Signal Corps OCS in Fort Benning, Georgia and shipped off to Vietnam. He served our country proudly from the jungles of Vietnam & Thailand and the Cold War “front” of Germany’s Fulda Gap, to the more relaxed beaches of Italy, the beautiful Presidio in San Francisco, and finally, raised a flag here in Sierra Vista.

After retiring from the Army, Jim became a real estate agent, manager, and broker as well as mentor for new agents, first at Axiom and then Long Realty.

Jim was known for his gentle and positive guidance and was always there to lend a hand and help others achieve their goals. Throughout his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, always exploring new hobbies and activities. In his early years, when he wasn’t cruising a street in Oxnard, California as a member of the “Pharaohs” or “Road Rods” car club in a hot rod, he was competing in rifle competitions.

Later, his preferences spanned from the hobbies of model trains, RC airplanes and stained glass artwork to the always favored outdoor activities of jogging, hiking, horseback riding, windsurfing, SCUBA diving, and mountain biking. Jim always took the time and effort to enjoy these pursuits with family and friends, teaching patiently and leading by example.

As a father, he was a Scoutmaster, coach, referee, tree fort builder, horse jump builder and trailer driver—or whatever it took to support his family’s pursuits and passions. Later in life, he found pleasure mostly in his life-long favorite activities: fly fishing, backpacking and cars—always cars! He was a passionate and involved member of the local SV Car Club, the San Pedro Flycasters, and The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve.

Additionally, Jim received great pleasure supporting and helping our nation’s wounded warriors by teaching and accompanying recovering veterans on fishing outings and trips through Project Healing Waters.

Jim is preceded in death by his daughter, Sara. He is survived by his loving wife Ellen of more than 50 years, son James, grandchildren Jaden and Ethan, sister Lynda and eight loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you please consider a memorial donation to Project Healing Waters Flyfishing, Inc. (Tucson Program) at https://projecthealingwaters.org (menu>help>donate>special purpose). Direct link to their donation page: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/healingthosewhoserve or directly at the mailing address: P.O. Box 695, La Plata, MD 20646.

There will be a Memorial Service for Jim on January 13, 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel - Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery off of Buffalo Soldier Trail. Facebook Twitter Email Print Save

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