Born: Nov. 17, 1924

Died: Sept. 15, 2013

James S. Ackerman, 88, of Cassopolis

James S. Ackerman, 88, of Cassopolis, passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 15, 2013 in his residence with his wife by his side.

Jim was born Nov. 17, 1924 in South Bend, Indiana, to Schuyler and Louise (Schaefer) Ackerman. His parents preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his daughter, Belinda Lou Ackerman Lozier on Aug. 5, 2003.

Throughout his high school years, Jim ran the newspaper distribution station for the South Bend Tribune. Jim joined the Army Air Force during World War II, spending 2 1/2 years in Foggie, Italy with the 324th Bomb Group attached to the 15th Air Force. Jim was a 1949 graduate of Tri-State College (now Trine University) in Angola, Ind. with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting.

On March 18, 1948, Jim married Betty Lou Whitman in Angola, Ind. She survives. Jim and his wife were RV dealers in South Bend and owners of Anderson Trailer Sales before moving to Cassopolis in 1957 where they owned Jim Ackerman Realty. Jim was an Indiana and Michigan licensed Real Estate Broker and licensed Real Estate Appraiser for the Veterans Administration. He was Past President of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, South Bend, Indiana Chapter. As an airplane pilot who earned his license when he was 16 years old, Jim and his wife enjoyed many hours of flying

Mr. Ackerman was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and a 32nd degree member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of South Bend. He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 889, Dowagiac. He was also a past member of the Cassopolis Lions Club, a past Vice President of the Cassopolis Chamber of Commerce and a member of the South Bend-Mishawka Board of Realtors. Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Whitman) Ackerman of Cassopolis; two grandsons, Greg Lozier and Jeff (Sharon) Lozier, both of Texas; and two great grandsons, Elie Lozier and Gabriel Lozier.

Mr. Ackerman’s family observed a private remembrance.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or message online: wagnercares.com.