Born August 9, 1932 died in Anderson, IN on August 8 just before his 84th birthday of cancer. James was the only child of Frances and Frederick Aker formally of Corning, NY.

James graduated from the Corning Free Academy in 1950 following which, he joined Corning Glassworks. In 1960, he married Evelyn Joan Richardson. Soon after he transferred to Corhart in Louisville, KY and started a family – Frederick, Melissa, Denise and Brian.

Increasing responsibilities at Corhart took James around the world long before anyone spoke of globalization. He forged lasting business friendships in Germany, France and Japan and was highly regarded in the glass industry.

He was intelligent, resilient and fearless yet deeply caring, wise, and charitable. He was also animated, silly at times, and laughed at his own jokes. An amusing thing was watching him do standing vertical jumps onto tabletops. Something he liked to demonstrate up to an advanced age. One of the least amusing things was to be a passenger in a car he operated.

James was an avid reader and had extensive knowledge of world history. While involved in the Corning Democratic Party, he met ex-president Truman and Senator John F. Kennedy. James rose from a poor childhood to executive level in business yet never forgot his humble beginnings. In later years he enjoyed traveling (he visited all 50 states), spending time with his grandchildren, listening to music, playing with any type of modern electronic gadget, and his pugs.

He was always there for his family and including his mother in later years he financially and emotionally supported five generations.

James was predeceased by his wife Evelyn of 33 years. He is survived by and will be sorely missed by his children and daughters-in-law Fred and Annette of Lohr, Germany, Missi Frye of Anderson, IN, Denise of Anderson, IN, Brian and Cindy of Pendleton, IN. As well as Grandchildren Damien, Justin, Lauralee, Maximilian, Daniel, Matthew and Felix. Great-granddaughters Nevaeh and Maliyah and cousin Eleanor Giambrone of Corning, NY.

A short service will be held at the West Sunbury Union Cemetery on Friday, August 19th at 09:30 AM. Donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers are preferred.