James Edward "Jim" Ackerman
Feb 11, 1953 - Mar 26, 2023
Posted by Jo Aguirre

James Edward Ackerman was born February 11, 1953 in Muskogee OK to Charles and Ruth Ackerman and passed away unexpectedly March 26th, 2023 in his home.

Jim spent his younger years in Muskogee before moving to Enid where he graduated high school in 1971. After a stint at Oklahoma State University Jim joined the United States Navy in 1972. Jim, being a natural charmer with big broad shoulders and striking good looks, met the love of his life Elizabeth Olson in Perry, OK. After much begging and pleading Jim was able to easily convince Libbi to marry him. Even after saying she would never get married. Jim and Libbi were married on January 27th, 1973 in Enid, OK. Jim's life was changed forever with the arrival of their three children. Son Jason, Daughter Tamara, and son Christopher. As Jim was eager to share, his children were the most important people in his life. He even loved them during their teenage years. After some time in California Jim and Libbi returned to Enid before settling in rural Gore. Their early years together in Gore were not always easy. You could ask Lib or any of the kids about his love of and long hours spent at lumber yards. They worked and built a wonderful life together. Jim worked as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer and also took much pride in being a founder of the Rural Fire Protection District #1 and Captain of Station #3. He was also a member of the American Legion. Jim was quite the world traveler visiting 4 continents and over 17 countries (and it wasn't just from chasing around all his grandkids) The years of back breaking labor and some extra back hardware made Jim a favorite at the TSA pat down line for everyone except him. Jim had a givers heart. He was a man of God, Faith, and Family. An avid outdoorsman and hunter he made sure his kids and grandkids knew the land. He loved history, traveling, singing to Libbi and the kids, visiting museums and telling stories. You could consider yourself lucky if you were able to sit and visit with Jim. He loved talking to people (sometimes for hours on end) Some of the best advice he gave was telling his children and grandchildren that "you can't learn any younger". His beautiful big smile and voice lit up a room and his hugs were bigger than life. Jim was definitely one of the good ones and will be forever missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Ronald Ackerman, sister Kathy Gordon, brother in law James Gordon.