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James Acheson Obituary
Doctor Acheson was a frequent supporter of Lighthouse Point projects, including major donations to the library, parks and fire-rescue. He contributed substantially to other Broward County civic needs through the Community Foundation of Broward.
Acheson arrived in Lighthouse Point from his home in Michigan by boat in October 1992, intending to stay for a year but instead lived on board at Lighthouse Point Marina for five years, frequently cruising in the Bahamas. In 1998 he purchased property on Cap's Island, which he had observed vacant for all that time, and with his wife, Suzanne, built a home there.
After graduation from Culver Military Academy Acheson attended the University of Michigan then served in the U.S. Army Finance Corps. He subsequently worked as a computer programmer for Bell Telephone Laboratories in Whippany, New Jersey, before joining his family's manufacturing company in 1967. He retired from business in 1998 after ultimately leading the hundred-year-old global specialty chemicals enterprise. In his later years he focused on philanthropy and community development both in Broward and in his former hometown of Port Huron, Michigan. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2002 for his philanthropic efforts.
Apart from his family and business, he devoted much of his life to maritime interests. He had been a two-term member of the Coast Guard's Rules of the Road Advisory Council (now BSAC) and president of the Port Huron, Michigan chapter of the International Ship Master's Association. For many years Acheson taught seamanship and navigation skills through the United States Power Squadrons, where he was a commander at several levels and chaired four national committees.
Acheson had been protocol officer for the Grosse Pointe Yacht club and a 43-year member of the New York Yacht club. He was commodore of the 3,000-member Great Lakes Cruising Club and subsequently its fleet captain for 25 years.
He is survived by his wife Susan Nelson Acheson, his three adult children, Larry, Joe and Dan, and his six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by
an infant son.
For more information and to leave an online condolence, visit
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Memories and Condolences
for James Acheson
6 Entries
Bonnie Ducharme
March 30, 2024
One year has passed and you are still sadly missed. Your smile, your laugh and your friendship will always be remembered. Love Bonnie
Jim Kaski, Pharmacist
April 16, 2023
As his community pharmacist for many years, I will always remember him as a kind and caring person. I love this man and his wonderful family.
Jim Kaski,
Pharmacist and Friend
Tom Urban
April 9, 2023
My deepest condolences and prayers to Mr. Acheson's family, especially his 3 boys whom I knew and befriended as a child growing up in Port Huron. I knew him as the father of my friends, and saw that he was a kind and caring man from that perspective. Though I moved away from PH, over the years during my return visits I saw so many signs of his kindness and philanthropy toward the community.
Port Huron, and beyond, lost a great friend and community leader.
Larry, Joe, and Dan, I'm sure you are all so proud of your father, just as I'm certain he was so proud of all of you. Again, I offer you my deepest sympathy and condolences.
Rodney Darby
April 5, 2023
Words can't exspress the thoughts I had after hearing the loss of Mr Acheson. As a kid growing up hanging out with son Larry. An being around Mr Acheson he was a great man and easy to talk to. My condlicene to Larry and Family. R.I.P Mr Acheson
Rodney Darby
April 5, 2023
Words can't exspess my thoughts when hearing of the loss of Mr Acheson. But as a kid growing up being around him hanging out with with son Larry. He was a great man to have known. R.I.P. Mr Acheson
Bonnie Ducharme
April 5, 2023
I got to know Jim very well these last five years and I can honestly say he was humble, respectful and such a great and charitable man. He was devoted to his wife Sue and a great friend to me. We had many laughs and fun times and he will be sadly missed by all. Rest in Peace dear friend and it was my honor to know and call you my friend. Love Bonnie Ducharme
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