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John Akers Obituary
John F. Akers, of Westport, Connecticut, retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the IBM Corporation, died on August 22, 2014, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 79.
Mr. Akers was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 28, 1934, to the late Kenneth F. and Mary J. (Reed) Akers. He graduated from Yale University in 1956, was an All-Ivy League hockey player and received Yale University Athletics' George H.W. Bush, Lifetime of Achievement Award, in 2001.
Following Yale, Mr. Akers joined the United States Navy, where he served as a carrier pilot from 1956 to 1960 attaining the rank of Lieutenant.
Upon completing his military service, he joined IBM as a sales trainee in San Francisco. He served in many capacities in IBM including Group Executive and Senior Vice President before becoming IBM's sixth Chief Executive Officer in 1985 and Chairman of the Board in 1986. Mr. Akers retired from IBM on May 1, 1993.
Throughout his professional career, he held positions with several regional and national corporations. He served on many boards including W. R. Grace & Co., Hallmark Cards, Inc., The New York Times, and PepsiCo, Inc. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the United Way.
As an avid golfer and sports fan, he enjoyed combining his business background with his love of golf by working with caddie scholarship programs including helping establish the Worthy and Fran Johnson Caddie Scholarship Foundation and serving on the board of the Sankaty Head Foundation and Caddie Camp.
Proud of his New England heritage, Mr. Akers was an avid reader of history and strong advocate for education, establishing scholarship funds and serving on local school boards.
Mr. Akers is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan Davis Akers, his son Scott, his two daughters Pamela Sjodin (husband Kevin) and Annie Klyver (husband Adam), and 10 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are private. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Akers
Cynthia Ball Robinson
August 18, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cynthia Ball Robinson
August 18, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Cynthia Ball Tobinson
August 18, 2020
Remembering all in my thoughts and prayers❤❤!
Cynthia Ball Robinson
August 18, 2019
Still remembering my Branch Manager, Mentor, and Friend! In appreciation for all your guidance and teachings during my career with IBM. My love and condolences to the entire family!
Paul Lynch
September 4, 2014
Our family is deeply sorry for your loss. I had pleasure to attend Needham High with John, and play hockey with him. He was terrific person.
Mike
September 2, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Akers family and wish you comfort in this difficult time. Mr Akers became CEO of IBM the year I was hired. He was the last of his kind and showed true respect for the individual and really pushed the no layoff policy that made IBM a company you wanted to work for. I really appreciated the person he was and how sincere he was to every employee at IBM. RIP Mr Akers and you will be truly missed.
September 1, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort (Acts24:15)
Aubrey Mason
August 29, 2014
Dear Mrs. Akers and family,
It was an honor and a privilege to have known and work for such an outstanding gentlemen. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Aubrey Mason and family
Brian Wasko
August 29, 2014
I have known very few people as gracious and sincere as John Akers. The respectful nature with which he treated everyone (not just some) was exemplary. In conversation, his self-effacing humor was very disarming, but then he would really talk to you, not just chat. His genuine concern for others was both obvious and compelling. He was such a pleasure to socialize with because he always stayed engaged to make you feel welcome.
The world will truly miss this great gentleman.
Maureen Fracassini
August 29, 2014
Scott,
Deepest condolences on your loss. Your Dad sounds like he was an extraordinary man. Thoughts and prayers are with you -- and Katie too.
August 28, 2014
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your dear husband. It can be very difficult when you lose your best friend. May the loving promise from God to care for widows, help you to cope with your grief. James 1:27 assures that God will be there for you.
August 28, 2014
My deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow.
-Psalm 119:76
August 27, 2014
I am proud to have known him. Avery special person in every regard. Generous, caring and never forgot his friends. A great leader during most difficult times and made the right but difficult decisions at the time. He will be missed. Joe Rosetti
Dick Popilowski
August 26, 2014
Susan. So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. May God be with you and comfort you and your family during this terrible time.
Robert Schiff
August 26, 2014
My wife, Nancy, and I have always admired John from the time we worked for him when he wss branch manager of IBM's New York Media ofice. He was a great manager and a wonderful man.
F Mitchell
August 26, 2014
My condolences for the loss of John F. Akers. Keeping in mind he scriptural hope of everlasting life can help to sustain you during this difficult time. John 17:3.
Sincerely, F. Mitchell
Barbara James
August 26, 2014
Dear Akers Family,
As an IBM employee in Armonk I was not personally connected to John, but I remember him being nice, a gentleman, and foremost to me Fair. I offer my condolences to your family at such a time as this.
Sincerely,
Barbara James
Formerly White Plains, NY
MARK SWANSON
August 25, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
michael solimene
August 25, 2014
Annie,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember him speaking at my graduation at UVM and only figuring out years later that was your dad! My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Michael Solimene
Petrina Bell
August 25, 2014
May the God of all comfort you as you face this very difficult time.
Cynthia Ball Robinson
August 25, 2014
Dear Susan and Family,
May the fond memories of John bring you Peace, Strength, Hope and Happiness!
John was my mentor at IBM from 1966 until I retired in 1992. It all started in the Media Branch Office with Joe Guglielmi as my Systems Engineering Manager and John my Branch Manager.
John and Joe steered my talents in a most enjoyable and successful career. I was delighted to have you, John, Joe and Barbara attend my wedding at the City Squire in NYC.
I am saddened to hear of John's passing, but greatful for all the guidance, support and sincere care he showed me and my family.
Eternally Greatful,
Cynthia Ball Robinson
John Whitmer
August 25, 2014
Dear Akers Family-
So very sorry for your loss; Hoping fond memories bring you peace at this time.
- The Whitmers
August 25, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be assured God cares for you and will comfort you at this time. 1 Pet. 5:7
Mark Hinnau
August 25, 2014
Mr. Akers likely did not know me. My father, the late Irvin N. Hinnau, was with IBM for many years serving in many capacities in sales and marketing, working in many locations including 1133 Westchester Ave in White Plains and also Armonk, NY. He was also with IBM World Trade and we lived in Yokohama, Japan from 1963 to 1966. The story that I heard, which I don't know is certain, is that my dad hired John Akers when he joined IBM. I don't know if that's true, but it always made me remember Mr. Akers. So I always respected him and the position he held as CEO and Chairman of the Board of IBM.
Please accept my condolences on your loss and the passing of such an esteemed gentleman.
Sincerely,
Mark Hinnau
Oxford, CT
(formerly of Greenwich, CT)
Steve Nesbitt
August 24, 2014
Mr. Akers was as nice as they come...a true gentleman always thinking of others.
Kitty &Bill Knauer
August 24, 2014
Dear Susan and family.....you might not remember us.....Kitty and Bill Knauer , lived in Fairfield, Ct from 1975 to1981....belonged to the Hunt Club.....good friends with the Charlats, Don Lord and many more........just wanted to send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family...we have fond memories, lots of parties and good times with you and John........I'm sure he will be missed.....much love....Kitty & Bill Knauer.....
August 24, 2014
The Larsen family's thoughts and prayers are with All of your family
Many great memories are with me !!
Sicerely
Craig and Family
Carla Torres
August 24, 2014
I am thinking of you all- I have always remembered Mr Akers fondly, and with respect. Sending love.
Jennifer Robinson Haack
August 24, 2014
Thinking of you, Scott, and your family. My parents remembered your father with great fondness.
Rob & Susan Robinson
August 24, 2014
Scott - so sorry to hear about the loss of your father - our prayers are with you and your family
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