James Michael Ackerman

Mr. James Michael Ackerman, 63, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at Crenshaw Community Hospital in Luverne on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Funeral services for Mr. Ackerman will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 18th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Pastors Mike Rippy & Christopher White officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Memorial Park in Greenville with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mr. Ackerman was a proud graduate of Crenshaw Christian Academy and attended Troy University for a time before going to work. He started at Warrior Tractor Company in 1989 and loved every day he spent working there for over 30 years as their sales coordinator. He was also a certified lifeguard at Beeland Park, where he was known as the “Rule Keeper.” He loved the water tremendously, from his work as a lifeguard, to fishing at Lake Martin, as well as being an avid diver. He rarely slowed down on land either as he loved working in his yard and his family often referred to him as the “builder of bridges and treehouses.” He was also fiercely patriotic and loved his country very much.

Mr. Ackerman was also very proud of his ‘64 ½ Mustang, which he loved driving. He was an avid collector of Native American artifacts, coins, old money, knives, photos, and baseball cards. He was a huge fan of Elvis and Auburn football, while also enjoying golf and bowling. He loved traveling, and was very creative when it came to themes for birthday parties. He had a true heart for his Lord too, and identified closely with the simple message of “Y’all Come” from the Rev. Billy Graham. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and stepfather who adored his family and spending time with them. Words cannot properly express how much he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him so fiercely.

Mr. Ackerman was preceded in death by his mother, Janet-Lee Richardson Ackerman; brother, Ed Ackerman; aunt & uncle, Helen & Bill Vickery; and several beloved canine & feline companions. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Amanda Campbell Ackerman; two children, Andy Ackerman & Frances Ackerman; two stepchildren, Anna-Belle McCormick (Brett Boyd) & Tripp McCormick; his father, John Ackerman; his parents-in-law, Gene & Wanda Ruffin; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Bobby Johnson, Robert Johnson, Alan Carpenter, Barry Holleyfield, Chuck Knox, William Petrey, and Jimmy Morgan. Honorary pallbearers will be Calvin Harris, Johnny Majors, Donnie Powell, David Welch, Andy Ackerman, and Rebecca Jackson.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10 - 11 AM.