James Akes

James W. Akes, 90, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the St. Marys Manor. He was born October 3, 1924 at Amazonia, MO., one of 11 children of James A. and Nina Mae West Akes. James served as a radio operator in the United States Navy during WWII. James was a butcher and later a manager of different grocery stores in St. Joseph and Kansas City. After retirement he farmed in Parker, KS. He moved to St. Marys in 2002 and to the St. Marys Manor in 2009. Mr. Akes was baptized into the Catholic Faith in 2008 and confirmed in 2012. He was a member of Assumption Chapel. He also was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David A. Akes and a granddaughter, Martha C. Palmer. He is survived by his children, Karen (Albert) Litner, Linn Valley, Gary J. (Sabina) Akes, Parker, Joyce A. (Donald) Palmer, St. Marys and Eileen Chrisjohn, Lawrence; a sister, Doris (Grover) Violet, St. Joseph, MO; 22 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be at 7:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Assumption Chapel. Interment will be in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Mr. Akes will lie in state from 2:00 until 4:30 P.M. Friday, February 6, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 5:20 P.M. Friday at Assumption Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Manor Bus Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.