George A. Akers

George A. Akers Co-founder of Alco Paramount Electronic Corporation, electronic pioneer and World War II Veteran died Tuesday, January 10, 2006 in Paradise, at the age of 83. George and wife Betty have been residents of Feather Canyon Retirement Residence for the last 4 1/2 years.
He was born December 4, 1922 on a farm near Worley, Idaho, attended Worley schools graduating from high school in the class of 1940. He came to California in the summer of 1941 to attend Radio School in Los Angeles. After WWII broke out in December of 1941 and unable to join the Marine Corp, he went to work for Western Union Telegraph Co. as a Teletype repairman in San Diego, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy October 1942 as a radio technician and attended Navy Radio schools in Bremerton, Washington, Chicago, Illinois, Oklahoma A & M at Stillwater, Oklahoma and Navy Secondary Radar School at Corpus Christi, Texas. He was stationed at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. doing research on Counter Measure Systems. He was honorably discharged January 19, 1946 as a Chief Aviation Radio Technician.
In September 1945 while still in the U.S. Navy and stationed at Moffett Field, California, he and another Navy veteran opened up a radio repair store in downtown San Jose, California know as Also Paramount Electronics. By 1973 it had grown to become the largest independent radio and TV Sales and Service Company in all California with eight stores in Santa Clara County.
In 1983 he sold the business, retired and entered the development of recreational properties.
He was very active in community affairs, president of a little league, served six years as president of the downtown San Jose Merchants Parking Authority, served two terms on the Board of Directors of San Jose Chamber of Commerce, served two terms on the Board of Directors for Santa Clara County Better Business Bureau, served on the Board of Directors of Northern California Communications Contractors, a charter member of the metro "A" trust fund, and past member of downtown San Jose Rotary Club.
In November 1946 he married Betty York, a Campbell High School graduate, whose father was a Campbell High School teacher. They were married 59 years, she survives at home. They had three children Karen A Martin of Napa, California, Gary S. Akers of Fruita, CO and David A. Akers of LaQuinta, California. Four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Gene Akers of Worley, Idaho who was the president and CEO of the Framers and Merchants Bank of Rockford, Washington.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service held at Feather Canyon Retirement Residence Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions can be made to Trout Unlimited or to a charity of the donors choice.