Jimmy Wayne Ackerman was born December 25,1930 in Orange County California to Louise A and George B. Ackerman. He passed from this life peacefully at his residence in Chipley, Florida on September 25, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and George Ackerman and his brother Lowell Ackerman.

He is survived by his loving wife Joan and her family. Son Martin VanderWerf III and wife Paige, daughters Lisa VanderWerf Hourigan and husband Steve, Susan VanderWerf Hicks and husband John and Jennifer VanderWerf Speight and husband Robert, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

His family moved to Chipley when his father was working with Coggin & Deermont Construction. He attended Chipley schools and graduated in 1949 from Chipley High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1949 – 1959 in support of the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Navy reserves he attended San Jose City College in California. He was a Mason Chaplain in the Masonic Temple in Fremont, California and later became a Shriner.

He began his career in 1966 with Sandia National Laboratories in accounting and procurement in support of research and development of nuclear weapons with the Department of Energy. He served on the Alameda County District School board during this time. He returned to Chipley, Florida in 1986 and began his voluntary service to the community.

His love of service included the many passions he devoted his time to. These included the Redevelopment Agency, the Landmark Commission, American Cancer Society, Teen Court, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Tobacco Free Partnership of Washington County, the Washington County Planning and Zoning Board, S.W.A.T and was a founding member of the Washington County Arts Council.  In 1981 Jim and his wife Joan established Oak Crest Vineyards and became a member of the W-M Vegetable Producers Association. In later years they operated and found joy in a U-pick operation meeting many who loved the art of picking and eating muscadines. In their spare time they traveled and enjoyed different food and cultures of the lives of people they met along the way. He was a long-time member of The First Methodist Church of Chipley serving in different positions including the Board of Trustees.

Funeral services will be held at the First Methodist Church of Chipley on October 1st at 11:00 am. Visitation will be one hour before service. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Brown Funeral Home will be directing these services.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind at 207 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine Florida 32804 or the First Methodist Church in Chipley, Florida