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Obituary - J. W. Akers, 50

Virginia Tech Spectrum, May 11, 1995

A Virginia Tech employee since March 16, 1973, James W. Akers died May 2. He worked at the Brooks Forest Products Center, where he started as a lab mechanic and worked his way up as lab instrument maker.

"He was known for helping lots of graduate students with their research," said Geza Ifju, head of the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products. "He was their mentor and friend. I'd bet at least 50 theses filed in the library acknowledge his contribution."

Akers was in charge of all the testing machines and testing instruments at the Brooks Center. For 22 years he taught the students how to use them.

Akers was also president of the staff association for the College of Forestry and Wildlife Resources.

In memoriam, friends may make contributions to a charity of their choice.