
Corvallis High School
Class Of 1969

James Akerson
Residing In | Harrisonburg, VA USA |
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Spouse/Partner | Emily |
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Homepage |
View Website |
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Occupation | Pastor |
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Children | As of 2019, Lars (1986) and Nels (1990) |
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After HS graduation I attended OSU, graduating in 1975 in forest management. I served in the Peace Corps - Liberia two years, the Bureau of Indian Affairs eighteen years (nine years at Warm Springs IR), and Shenandoah NP in Virginia sixteen years. Towards the end of that I began taking evening classes at the local Mennonite seminary. I was called into ministry in 2010 and completed my MDiv shortly thereafter. Later I completed my DMin in 2018. I serve a small country church near Elkton, VA, and am a district overseer. These amount to about ¾-time, which feels about right for now.
Emily and I have been married 41 years. She continues her faculty position at James Madison University and clinical work as a nurse practitioner. Our sons give us real joy as we see them exploring the world and making sense of life. Emily and I would love to make contact with you by phone or meet together if you find yourself in Virginia. Blessings to you.
I only attended CHS our senior year. It was a tough way to end high school. I am glad for the few friends I made there, and the excellent teachers. I think of Dave Bostwick, Doug Williams, and Dan Bentley. I think of Mr. Spitznogle for business, law/insurance, and accounting. Having gone to three high schools in three years, it forced me to become less dependent on peers, something that's been good in the long run. I hope everyone is settled, happy with life, and open to new friends. Blessings to you.
James' Latest Interactions
Cathy, what took Jim's life?
Posted on: Jul 10, 2019 at 2:08 PM
James B. speaks of riding in your cars. I remember what you called the "BB." It was the black Nash. Though ugly, I liked it.
From the Corvallis Gazette-Times: “David Heald Bostwick, 29, a former resident of Corvallis, died in a sailing accident in Lubbock, Texas.”
Judy, back in the 20-year reunion book, I read that Richard was a campus pastor and in graduate studies in psychology. Is he still pastoring? And are you still making quilts and marketing patterns? With your six children, I imagine you have many grandchildren by now, and beyond! Emily and I got started with children at age 34, and our two sons are following suit so there are no grandchildren on the scene or known. After 35 years in forestry and ecology, I studied at a Mennonite seminary to go into ministry and am a pastor of a small country church in Virginia. Having entered the pastorate at age 59, I don't have a career of heavy lifting behind me, so feel that I can do this for many years to come, God willing. Blessings to you and Richard.
Posted on: Jul 03, 2019 at 1:59 PM
Hi Jane,
My memories are rather foggy of my senior year. It was my third high school in three years! I seem to remember you and your mom at Grace Lutheran. Is that right? I just read from the 20-year reunion booklet and found your entry very interesting. I served in the Peace Corps - Liberia, West Africa, two years. My forestry work there was a great experience. I too ate monkey soup. It was the one dish I had trouble eating. They placed the arm/hands in each bowl! Yikes.
After working 35 years in forestry in Oregon and Virginia, I retired. Prior to ending, I studied at a Mennonite seminary to become a pastor. Emily and I have served a small Appalachian congregation over eight years now. We've been blessed. I hope this finds you in good health and spirits.
James
Posted on: Jun 14, 2019 at 8:22 PM
Mary Lou, Emily & I won't be at the reunion, so I just wanted to say that I admired your quiet, shy, and whip-smart demeanor that senior year. Blessings to you.
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