James Norford Akers

September 22, 1959 - December 10, 2015

James Norford Akers, 56, of South Point, OH went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Community Hospice Care Center, Ashland, KY after an extended illness. He was born September 22, 1959 in Lawrence County, OH, a son of the late James William Akers and Mary Rowe Akers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rick Sharp.  He was a 1978 graduate of Ironton High School and also a graduate of the Police Academy.  His career included time working at the Proctorville, Chesapeake and Coal Grove Police Departments.  He also worked and retired from the Ironton Police Department after 20 years of service where he retired as a Detective.  James was also a member of the Lawrence Co. Drug Task Force and the Fraternal Order of Police.  Survivors include his wife, Melissa Hughes Akers; his children, Natalie (Chris) Howell, Nancy (Don) Friend, Michelle Akers, Bobbi (B J) Harbolt and James Joseph Akers; one sister, Vicki Roberts; two brothers, Glen (Patty) Sharp and Frank Sharp; a sister-in-law, Lori Sharp; and six grandchildren, Mason, Aiden and Mylee Howell, Riley Akers, Ryan Harbolt and Jaxon Akers.  Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Slack and Wallace Funeral Home, South Point with Pastor Jimmy Carey officiating.  Burial services will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Pastor Rob Hale officiating.  Friends may call from 6 to 8 PM Saturday at the funeral home.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.slackandwallace.com.