James Ackley

MADISON - James L. Ackley, age 96, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. He was born June 28, 1914, to Marcelous Leland and Olive (Thompson) Ackley in Wadena, Iowa. He married Mildred Hewitt on June 26, 1939, in Baraboo. They celebrated 66 years of devotion to each other. Their witness of faith and love of family are their lasting gifts to their family. Jim served his country during World War II touring both the Atlantic and Pacific Fronts. He always said that the service took him around the world. Upon returning to the States he started his career as a salesman for Chamberlain Companies of America and later worked for Foster Insulation. In the 1960s he formed his own business building homes and churches. He was a longtime member of City Church (formerly Lake City Church) where he was an elder in the church and also oversaw the construction of the church on Elka Lane. For many years he was very involved in the churchs outreach program. Faith and family were the center of his life. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children Lee (Cheryl), Linda (Clark "Mike") Jones, Pat (Donn) Hagland, John (Tracy), and Mary (Randy) Charles; and his grandchildren, James (Angela) Ackley, Paul (Heidi) Ackley, Andy (Dianne) Jones, Jennifer (Rick) Fry, Tania (David) Fanson, Aaron Dorsey (fiance Terra); Sarah (Kelly) Schuppener, Tom (Joyce) Dorsey, Lauren and Caleb Ackley, and Justin, Christopher (Pamela), and Tyler Charles; step-grandchildren Brett (Sara) Hagland and Chad (Lisa) Hagland; great-grandchildren, Cassie, Catherine, Michael, Ryan, Holly, Grace, Arianna, Keagen, Declan, Raeden, Harrison, Ethan, Evan, Ean, Kaitlyn, Julia, Liam and Landon and great-great grandson, Elijah. He is furthered survived by his nephew, Don (Eleanor) Ackley. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Milfred and Walter; and sisters, Mabel, Margaret and Evelyn. Funeral services will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, with the Rev. Warren Heckman officiating. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to the staffs at Meadowmere Assisted Living, Wisconsin Dialysis Center and the Veterans Hospital for their kind and supportive care of Jim. Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Service: Funeral services will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, with the Rev. Warren Heckman officiating.