James and Suzanne Akers

James Michael Akers, known to most as “Jim” or “Jimbo,” and to his grandchildren as “Grumpy,” was born on September 24, 1947, in Roanoke, Virginia. His beloved wife, Suzanne Holden Akers, born Cathy Suzanne Holden on November 24, 1947, in Florida, was “Suzy” to her friends and “Grammy” to her grandchildren. Together, Jim and Suzanne shared 54 years of marriage, beginning on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1970, in Roanoke, Virginia. They passed away just months apart - Jim on September 26, 2024, in Brooksville, Florida, and Suzanne on March 4, 2025, in Thonotosassa, Florida.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he trained as an electrical engineer. He later built a career creating flight simulators and motion-based ride systems for theme parks - work that combined precision, innovation, and a sense of wonder. Suzanne devoted her life to caring for others, working as a registered nurse, a school teacher, and a child welfare worker investigating child abuse. Her compassion and determination left a mark on every life she touched.

Beyond their professions, Jim and Suzanne were true partners in life. They loved traveling together, often making the long drive from Florida to Virginia for family reunions, or to Tennessee to spend time with loved ones. Family was the center of their lives, and their love extended across generations.

They are survived by their four children: Jennifer Speakman; David Akers and his wife Cherridon; Rebecca Walser and her husband Ronald; and Christopher Akers and his wife Holly. They were proud grandparents to Bronsyn Speakman (wife Lindsey) and great-grandson Jonah; Mason and Dustin Speakman; Jubilee, Asher, Senona, Eden, and Zoe Akers; Ashley Tuttle (husband Mike) and great-grandson Miles; Reid, Reagan, and Reese Walser; and Stephen and Elizabeth Akers.

Jim and Suzanne will be laid to rest together in the Webb family cemetery in Callaway, Virginia on October 11, 2025. Their joint burial will honor the lifelong partnership they shared and the legacy of love, devotion, and family they leave behind.

They will be remembered as Grammy and Grumpy, Jim and Suzy, but most of all as Mom and Dad - pillars of strength, love, and laughter whose presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.