James Ackerman, age 60, of Lytton, IA, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at his home in Lytton surrounded by his family.  James was born on November 1, 1957, to Eugene and Ruth (Block) Ackerman in Sibley, IA.  He was baptized in the Reformed Church and later confirmed in the Presbyterian Church in Lytton.

   James graduated from Lytton High School and following graduation he was inducted into the United States Marines on February 27, 1978.  He received the rank of Private First Class and was honorably discharged on June 8, 1979, earning special honors, Rifle Marksmanship Badge. 

   On September 24, 1983, James was united in marriage to Colleen Lee on a farm in Lytton. James and Colleen had three children: Joshua, Jeremia and Carrie.  They were married for 21 years and spent the majority of that time living on their farm in Lake View and then moved to a farm near Lytton.   He worked in general construction and helped with Heartland Siding.  James along with Jim Hout later founded J&J Distributing where he acquired the nick-name "The Rabbit Man.”

   James was very much involved in the community and was the self proclaimed Lytton Sheriff.  He also enjoyed helping with Lytton Gala Days, participated in competition grilling, and was a 4H rabbit judge at the Iowa State Fair and in multiple counties in Iowa.  In his free time, James went to exotic animal sales and auctions. He liked scrapping metal and burning wood. He loved spending time with his friends and family whether it be going asparagus hunting, smoking meat or just grilling.  James took his grilling seriously. His business sold gourmet rabbit and exotic meat to five star restaurants and shipped its products to almost every state in the USA. He along with David Guenther, created their own special breed of rabbits which made his products highly sought after in the industry.  James was an outgoing, fun, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

   Survivors include his children: Joshua Ackerman of Sac City, IA, Jeremia Sr. (Jenny Kingery) Ackerman of Newell, IA, Carrie Ackerman of Lytton, IA; grandchildren: Kenton Ackerman, Sophie Ackerman, Jeremia Jr. Ackerman, Shelby Kingery; father Gene (Joyce) Ackerman of Spirit Lake, IA; brothers: David (Lorraine) Ackerman of Canton, SD, Dan (Marlene) Ackerman of Sac City, IA, Jerald Ackerman of Dayton, OH, Troy (Charlene) Ackerman of Spirit Lake, IA; sisters: Michelle (Del) Drenth of Woodbine, IA, Jan (Jim Johnson) Simonsen of Mason City, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

  James was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Ackerman and brother Milton Ackerman.