John G. Acker was born in Aberdeen Washington April 21, 1945, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital to Maxine and OJ Acker. He was the third child of four, (d) Gloria Acker Dodson, (d) Blair Acker, Ben Acker.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years Janet, sons Matt (Kira) Acker of Port Angeles, Washington and Mark (Alexis) Acker of Cathedral City, California, brother Ben (Karen) Acker; and many nieces and nephews. Lastly John is survived by his five grandchildren: Kole, Kade, Audrey, Olivia and Abigail.
As a youth, John excelled in athletics and in music in Aberdeen, Washington. John was involved in the school band and other jazz and rock bands. In 1964, John worked at the World’s Fair in New York City as a log roller with his older brother Blair.
In 1967, John married the love of his life, Janet. John would go on to attend Central Washington University where he would major in music education. He would return to Aberdeen to teach band, choir, PE and math at Miller Junior High and Aberdeen High School. John also coached football at Miller Junior High. Mr. Acker, as he was known to his students, built up a great band and choir program that would sustain Aberdeen for a number of years.
John then moved on to Timberline High School as a dean of students. He then finished his career as a music and PE teacher at Puget Sound High School.
John was an exceedingly caring and passionate educator and colleague. John was also a very knowledgeable coach and mentor. As a coach, John always drilled into players the importance of team mentality and always picking each other up. Tearing each other down was never accepted on one of John’s teams. As a friend, John was always one with a quick joke and he appreciated good humor, an attribute that has rubbed off on his grandchildren.
In retirement, John continued to write and play music all the way up until the last years of his life. He routinely donated instruments to local schools. The biggest joy of his life was his grandchildren. John never missed a game or a recital, rain or shine.
