Eric hspentmany of his growing up years in South Bend, Indiana.  I considered him a friend during our years together at Madison Elementary/Junior High School and 3+ years at Central High School.  I remember in the eighth grade that Eric told me that he wanted to be a brain surgeon when he grew up.  Looking in retrospect at his "life's work/celebration of life" and the many people that he impacted along the way and his service in many capacities, I would say that Eric exceeded his earlier aspiration,  
RIP Eric.

I first met Eric when I began as a new police officer at Longmont PD in 1977. He was a professional, a leader, and a great teacher. I enjoyed his great sense of humor and practical jokes played on anyone and everyone. As a fellow Vietnam vet, he always asked me how I was doing. I left Longmont PD in late 1979 to pursue other interests, but the above traits stayed with me throughout my life and new career. I'm sorry I lost track of he and many others from that period of my life, but was glad to have known him. I hope the pain of his passing wains as time progresses and my prayers are with all his family.

Jon,  Did not know you, but in my heart, I do. You did the Lord's work flying a chopper in Nam. RIP Brother

Mike Frazier   USMC  Nam 66-67

To the family of Jon "Eric" Ackerman.  I worked closely with Eric at the Adams County Sheriff's Office, mainly in the Jail.  Always a unique and interesting personality, Eric was obsessed with physical fitness, usually via running until his feet couldn't take it any more, and he had an outstandingly dry sense of humor.  He was an outstanding teammate and a creative and dedicated leader who cared a great deal about the people he worked with.  
Eric was also a tremendous prankster.  For example, the Jail staff had a refrigerator in which they could put their brought-from-home, or outside purchase sandwiches for their break times.  Eric would occasionally sneak in to the cafeteria area, open the refrigerator, unwrap and secretly take one bite out of every sandwich he found, and then wrap them up as if they had never been disturbed.  This usually caused quite a stir among the staff, but it was all in good fun.  
We could all count on Eric to be there when difficulties arose, and he always supported the line staff.  
I admired the Vietnam service stories I heard (though he rarely spoke of them), and that he was always humble; he was never overly impressed with his rank or position.  He was always a good person and a friend; someone we could all depend upon whenever things became hard.  
Though I will be unable to attend the Celebration of Life as I care for my aging Mother, I will miss Eric and am grateful for the time I spent working with him.  God bless and console you all.

A collection was taken up for me after my wife died in 2023. A man I barely knew donated to it. That man was Jon and with that one action I learned a lot about him. Rest easy and with peace, Jon.
Barb Lemasters

My prayers go out to family and friends. Eric was an amazing person that I got to know and adore at Longmont Kaiser. He will truly be missed.

I first met then Adams County Sergeant Jon "Eric" Ackerman when I was a brand new deputy at Adams County Sheriff's Office in May, 1988.  He was one of my first Sergeants.  Our paths crossed several more times throughout our careers and he was my Patrol Lieutenant and if memory serves correctly, retired while serving as a Lieutenant commanding the North Metro Task Force.  He was definitely a mentor to me and many others throughout his honorable law enforcement career.  

I recently thought about trying to reconnect with him and wish I had done so.  God Bless Lt. Ackerman and his entire family including his many law enforcement brothers and sisters.  

Respectfully,
ACSO Sgt. David A. Shaklee

Some years ago, Eric opened his home for Airbnb. I was his first guest, and he left the house open for my arrival as he wouldn't be there when I came. I was a little nervous staying with a single male host, not knowing what to expect.

When I walked in, I was struck by the beauty and harmony of the surrounds and had never felt so touched and enfolded just by walking in the door. A small welcome box of special chocolates was in my room, flowers on  the kitchen table, the home beautiful and immaculate. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness, making sure I had everything I could possibly need.

When he finally arrived, I could tell by the sparkle of mischief in his eyes that this person would be great to know. We spoke for hours, late into the evening, and I was struck by his open honesty, his integrity and good heart. 

We became good friends, and his warrior spirit,  courage, strength and determination continued to increase my respect for this exceptional human being. 

He felt like someone I had always known, spirit family.

He had an intimate relationship with death, nearly dying in his careers as soldier and police officer, at least once rock climbing, later medical emergencies, more times than I can count. He was as much at peace with the possibility of death as he was going to the store. His remarkable strength of spirit (and, I suspect, his iron will to complete his mission here until he was darn well finished, thank you) kept him alive above and beyond a regular person's ability to survive and thrive. 

I am grateful and privileged to know him. I will miss him long and long.

Eric was such a good man; a caring and empathetic friend who thought and felt deeply of friends and family; and of how to help and be of service to others.  He inspired me with his unflinching openness and honesty, and he will be deeply missed by so many of us❣️.  Eric, We love you man, and may your journey to the other side be one of peace and light……🙏❤️💜💙💚🙏

I wanted to add that I am unable to attend his service because I will be out of the country. Very sorry. Sandy Boggs

I want to express my sympathies for your loosing Eric. He was a neighbor and good friend and will be missed. He showed me pictures of his lovely family whom he was very proud of. I enjoyed his stories of his life as well as some hiking and biking etc. He had many accomplishments to be proud of. He was a really nice man and very nice to me.So many health problems, but didn’t complain. So sorry for your loss. I was honored to know him. I am truly sorry for your loss. Sandy Boggs

Eric was a mentor and friend. I was fortunate to work with him at the Adams County Sheriff’s Department. The best time we had was when the KOA News Chopper was used to search for a crime victim. Al Verlay was the chopper pilot. He landed at the substation. I asked Eric if he wanted to go with us. A big smile crossed his face and he jumped in the chopper. Al let Eric sit in the left seat. When Eric told Al about his military service, Al let Eric fly the chopper. It was the best chopper ride I ever had!  Eric had the biggest smile on his face the whole time. We often laughed later about that day. Eric was truly a one of a kind individual. He helped so many people in his life. He will be missed by many! I will always remember him!

Eric and I met in high school senior year at Fairview HS, Boulder, CO.
Eric was my first real boyfriend. He went to Vietnam, and when he returned, I met him again at Metro State College. We both majored in Criminal Justice. We lost contact until I retired and returned to CO. I feel fortunate to have spent some time with him recently. We talked about vacationing together; we both wanted to see the world. I will dearly miss him, but I know he's at peace. 

Philena Harrington

Eric and I met in April 2024 from the meeting  and we worked steps together  and in beginning June a friend and I went out to  CO from Ma. to visit . We had 4 total days  of Laughter, Friendships, Food, Rides to Estes Pk. and the Teepee Mtg...  afterwards  when his legs were weakening . I kept asking him to let me come  out a be with him to see if I could be of help. I stayed a week until Sun Aug 11th. The 3 gifts he gave to me was  His Trust, He enjoyed the Emotional Support  I gave ,and a Connection , unlike I've ever seen. He, Bri and I were the 3 Musketeers .. To me , since June,  He will always be  Cowboy/Superman..  He had such strength  and determination , even with an infection w/ feeding tube in !!To This Blessed Family of  Erics..Thank You for sharing him, his legacy, and life with us others, who were of another type of family , I will only treasure the Good ...Blessing to you All

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Ackerman family and also to Eric's friends and everyone that knew him. I knew Eric from 1980 when I was hired by the Longmont Police department. We became good friends and I was actually the best man when he got married a second time. I have many fond memories of him. He could be an incredibly generous ,kind and compassionate person. Anybody that knew him well knows that he also struggled with depression and other things. That is all over now and hopefully he is with the savior of the world, Jesus Christ ,experiencing unbelievable peace and joy.. I hope to see him someday in that realm. 
Rod Schmidt

Eric was one of the first true friend I made when I moved to Colorado.  He was so supportive and kind..... we cycled and hiked off and on over the years... an all around wonderful human.

OBITUARY

Jon Eric Ackerman

22 May, 1947 – 12 August, 2024

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

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