Birth date: Feb 10, 1948 Death date: Sep 25, 2016
James Akers Pence passed away while working in his beloved butterfly yard at dusk on Sunday evening, September 25, 2016. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on February 10, 1948 and during his high school years, he participated a Read Obituary
This is sweet:
AKERS PENCE-REMEMBRANCE on Vimeo by Michael Munroe
https://vimeo.com/197806730
"James Akers Pence was born on February 10, 1948. He died suddenly on September 25, 2016. This video uses photos and video recordings of the stages of his life. The photos were provided by his wife, Linda. All of the music is performed by Akers and others. The ending song, 'Seven Candles' was composed when he was 19."
RIP, JAP.
I remember the very first time I met Akers.....so very long ago, yet the memory is still fresh in my heart.
I think I was about 14-15 years old that afternoon Linda brought Akers to one of the Christmas gatherings at the house in Lakewood. Linda was, to me, the coolest, nicest woman, who actually seemed interested in what I had to say. Akers turned out to be right up there with Linda in the cool and kind department. Akers had a sense of humor that was entirely new to me (so New York?) and I found that fascinating....and later, much later as I grew up, I came to appreciate.
My memory is that Akers was a kind, gentle, intelligent man who made everyone feel important, and that anyone who had the fortune to be in his company, would leave smiling and liking themselves just a wee bit more. I know we all did.
Cathryn Hartwell
Akers was a very unique and special soul. I worked with him for two years and he always had the most amusing stories to share. His passion for butterflies and the natural world was fascinating and inspiring. He was a wealth of knowledge and will be missed by many. Akers, I hope you are surrounded by butterflies wherever you are.
Akers' creative and passionate energy will truly be missed. I have several unforgettable stories working with Akers on the Plant for Wildlife Project in Jaret's lab, and will never ever forget how to identify a "bombus" bumble bee with Akers' creative identifying techniques he taught me. He was so passionate about nature, conservation, and gardening- it was because of him that I was inspired to start collecting plants and growing a large garden when I first moved to Gainesville. I have several orchids that he helped me "rescue" from a discard cart over at the UF Entomology building and every time I water them or look at them I think of him. He was always full of interesting stories and had a contagious passion for wildlife. His spirit will live on in all of those who cherish the experiences they have had with Akers over the years. Sending thoughts and positive energy to Linda and family during this time.
Akers was a vibrant personality who was funny and charming. He was very proud of Linda's art and the direction she was heading in. He told me he was a bit mystified by it as well, but he had faith in whatever she did. I love the photo on this page because it is so typical of Akers.
We lost a great friend for conservation. Akers loved the natural world and had a never- ending enthusiasm that was truly infectious. His warmth, kindness, and desire to help will be sorely missed.
Lit a candle in memory of James Akers Pence
I remember a gentle man who was devoted to Linda. He always had a smile. Through a life devoted to love, he shared what love truly meant every time you saw Linda and Akers together. The love shown in each others' eyes was unmistakable and that love will be shown every minute of every day in Linda's eyes as we always remember and celebrate Akers' life.
