James Edward Aker

James Edward Aker died Aug. 8 in Anderson, Ind., of cancer just before his 84th birthday.

Born Aug. 9, 1932, James was the only child of Frances and Frederick Aker, formerly of Corning, N.Y.

James graduated in 1950 from the Corning Free Academy, 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 which includes his children, 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 also was 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 U.S. Sen. 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, having visited all 50 states, spending time with his grandchildren, listening to music, playing with any type of modern electronic gadget and his pugs.

He always was there for his family, 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, Ind., Denise of Anderson, Ind., and Brian and Cindy of Pendleton, Ind.; his grandchildren, Damien, Justin, Lauralee, Maximilian, Daniel, Matthew and Felix; his great-granddaughters, Nevaeh and Maliyah; and his cousin, Eleanor of Corning, N.Y.

AKER — A short service for James Edward Aker, who died Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the West Sunbury Union Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are preferred.