John J. Akers Jr.

John James Akers, Jr., 90, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013. He was born in Salem, a son of the late John James, Sr. and Lillian Akers. John was raised in Chilhowie. He later joined and proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After returning, he began working as a draftsman at G. E. in Salem, and was employed there for 29 years. John was a member, deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem. He and his loving wife, Jane, were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father. Along with his parents, John is preceded in death by three brothers, Charlie, Bill, and Rob. Surviving him are his loving wife, Jane Akers; his son, Andy Akers; and his sister, Clara Musick. A funeral service to honor the life of, John James Akers Jr. will be held on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest following the funeral service at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke. Pastor Chris Mitchell will officiate. An online guestbook is available by visiting johnmoakey.com.