Obituary

Orville James “Jim” Acker went to be with his Lord on August 22, 2015 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale Arkansas after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. He was born July 9, 1941 in Checotah, Oklahoma, the son of Richard Herman and Lena Beatrice Nunley Acker.
As the youngest of ten children, he was known to the family as Jimmy, and completed his education in Oklahoma, as well as attending Connors State College in Warner. He soon discovered his love of law enforcement and continued that work when he moved to Arkansas in 1972. He remained a resident of Prairie Grove for the next 43 years, serving as a patrolman in the Fayetteville Police Department, working through the ranks of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department to Captain, and devoting his heart to the community of Lincoln through many years of service as Chief of Police.
Jimmy, Captain, Chief, was known at home as Daddy, Grandpa, Papaw, Uncle. He was never more at peace than when he was surrounded by family. For decades, his loving wife Carol convinced all the little ones in the family that his name was Fat Cop, and for using this name, they would be rewarded with a chase, a serious tickling, and a threat to be thrown on top of the house. This delighted every child in the family, and Fat Cop he remained for the rest of his days. (For this she was rewarded with the name of “Big Red.”) Fat Cop and Big Red raised and loved as many children as they could get their hands on.
Jim was a member of the Summers Missionary Baptist Church in Summers Arkansas, and cherished his church family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Carol Louise Remington Acker, his parents; brothers Herman Hugh Acker, Ellis Woodrow Acker, Walter G. Acker, and Roy Wayne Acker; sisters Lucille G. Acker, Julia Beatrice Acker Hamby, Ethel May Acker Nichols, Billie Louise Acker Lane and Mary Maxine Acker Beashears, and his grandson Frederick Nicholas Buckle.
Survivors include his beloved children and grandchildren; Mickey and Rochelle Acker of Nashville Tennessee, Marty and Staci Acker of Coalgate Oklahoma, Tonia and Kaitlyn Acker of Maumelle Arkansas, Anthony James “A. J.” and Alyssa Acker of Coalgate Oklahoma, Tyler and Kelsey Acker of Nashville Tennessee, Rhett and Gentree Acker of Muldrow Oklahoma, Ty and Cherokee Miller of Durant Oklahoma, as well as great grandchildren T. J. Acker and Camri Miller. Jim also considered as his children and grandchildren, Carla and Glenn Atkins, Ashley and Chuck Leichner, Kenleigh Riggins, Zachary Riggins, Chloe Riggins, Connor Riggins, Brenton “Bo” Muraga, Grant Atkins, Morgan Atkins, and Corbin Atkins all of Springdale, and Laura Yancey Whelchel of Farmington. He is survived by numerous special nieces and nephews and other extended family members in the Acker and Remington families, as well as his friends and church family. He is also survived by many of the men and women in blue that he hired, trained, mentored, loved and supported during his 45 years of law enforcement.
Memorials may be made to Summers Baptist Missionary Church, 22055 US Hwy 62 West, Summers Arkansas, 72769, or to your local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Luginbuel Chapel
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August at 10:00 a.m. at Summers Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Young officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Honorary Pallbearers will be A. J. Acker, Tyler Acker, Rhett Acker, Michael Riggins, Zachary Riggins, Steve Zega, and the officers of the Lincoln Police Department.
No matter what name you knew him as, if you knew Jim, the Chief, Captain, or Fat Cop, you knew his extraordinary heart and compassion and dedication to his community and loved ones. The family is so thankful for all the prayers, love, and acts of kindness that have been given so generously.
Funeral Service

10:00 am
Summers Baptist Church - Summers, Arkansas
Visitation

6:00 pm
Lugnibuel Chapel - family will be present
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 66, Space 40
General

Jul 9, 1941

Aug 22, 2015

74

Tributes

On the night my daddy died, My daddy Acker told me not to worry bc he will be my daddy now. He had been like a second daddy to me all my life. He meant it. He has been a great second daddy to me and I am feeling so blessed to have had so much time with him in the last few months. His determination to live as long as possible for his grandkids was inspirational to me! I have learned so much from this man. I miss him terribly, however I look forward to our reunion in Heaven!! Rest in peace my dear daddy Acker.
Laura Yancey Whelchel - Honorary daughter
had the privilege of serving on the Lincoln City Council during Chief Acker's tenure as chief of police in Lincoln. Thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. He was a great man and a wonderful law enforcement officer. He will be missed.
Bryan Maloney - Friend
Our hearts are filled with sadness at the Chief's passing. His love and devotion to his family and community were unsurpassed.
Candace Taylor - Friend
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always a sweet man and he will be missed many.
Mary Gail Reed - Friend
My thoughts and prayers are the many family members, friends and co-workers of Jim. He was a good man and a good Police Officer. He will be missed.
Mark B. Hanna - Co-worker at Fayetteville P.D.
Our prayers & condolences to all family members. It was an honor & pleasure to have Jim serve as Police Chief of Lincoln while I served as Mayor. Jim was a true professional, sincere and well liked Chief who served Lincoln well. He will be missed by many friends.
Vol & Carol West - Friend
Jim was a true friend, gentleman, and beloved police officer who always gave a break to those who deserved it. I will miss him and know his church and police officer family will miss him as well.
Wayne Brashear - Friend
oh, Jim, I'm so happy you're feeling the bliss of a pain-free reunion. Mr. Bill and Carol are there for you always. Tonya, I am sorry for our loss.
Karen Weddle - friend
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and host of friends. Rest in peace Jim.
Ron and Ginger Phillips - Friend
Tonia..... I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Sharla Shannon Pike - Friend
Jim was a wonderful man. One time he gave me a ticket for expired tags & I stated "Well crap Jim, I cant get my tags if you keep giving me tickets!" he calmly handed me my ticket and a $20 bill and said "Go get your tags & pay me back Friday." baahaaa. I did just that & never let my tags expire again. Wonderful man...
Teresa Soares - friend
Funeral Service

10:00 am
Summers Baptist Church - Summers, Arkansas
Visitation

6:00 pm
Lugnibuel Chapel - family will be present
Final Resting Place
Prairie Grove Cemetery
North, Row 66, Space 40
General

Jul 9, 1941

Aug 22, 2015

74