James Emmett Akers (J.E.), 70, of Marion, South Carolina and Galax, Virginia passed away Friday, April 26, 2013 at the McLeod Cloud Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. J. E. was born in Fries, Virginia on May 10, 1942 to Lee and May Akers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Jonathan, mother-in-law and father-in-law Annie Stanley Jones and Everett Jones; sister Katherine Dye.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Violet Jones Akers of Marion, South Carolina and Galax; two sons James E. Akers, Jr. (Jimmy) of Marion, South Carolina; Jonathan Eric Akers (Johnny) of Marion, South Carolina and Galax, VA; two daughters: Erica Louise Akers and partner John Crookshank of Galax, Virginia and Ashley Lynn Akers of Marion, South Carolina and Galax, VA; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; and one very special grandchild Heaven Louise Akers. Also surviving are a brother Robert "Buddy" Akers and sister-in-law Nancy of Fries, Virginia; sisters Evelyn Carico and brother-in-law Wayne; Anna Bell Chappell and brother-in-law Bob ; Juanita Sawyers and Jimmy of all of Galax; several nieces and nephews and one very special niece Kim Akers Mallory; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Clarence and Carolyn Jones; Juanita and Stanley Bedsaul all of Galax; Bobbie and Charlotte Jones of Fries; Katherine and David Haulsey of Hillsville, VA; and Barbara and Wes McKinney of Ivanhoe, Virginia.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with Rev. Ben Haga and Barry Lyons officiating. Entombment will be in the Monta Vista Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 until 9 o'clock at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the Grayson County VFW Post 7726.

Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home is serving the Akers family.