Thomas S. Ackim

THOMAS S. ACKIM, age 61. Beloved husband of Karen (nee Barrett). Loving father of Nick Ackim (Taylor), Ryan Ackim (Lexi) and Shawn Ackim (Marissa). Cherished grandfather of Rosie. Surrogate grandpa to Landon. Dear son of the late Thomas and Juliana (nee Tinker). Dear brother of Kevin Ackim, Kimberly Marshall, Brian Ackim, and Lisa Ackim. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Dearest companion of his late dog, Harlee. Proud member of the UA local 120 Pipefitters Union, and longtime employee of Brewer Garrett. 

"Who is going to fill his shoes?"  God we all down here are trusting you as we do not understand, we do not all agree, and we most certainly cannot comprehend why you had to call our husband and father home! Tom was not dealt a great hand and yet he fought his hardest.  No one can ever say Tom quit anything, and that was true to the very end. Tom taught his family so much and he still had so much more to give. All the memories and yet they will never be enough. He was our best friend, mentor, hero, and role model.  Gone way too young.  

"Rest In Peace". The greatest man in our lives, the best husband, and dad who was always ready with a joke, witty one-liners or a bit of wisdom to share. The "Mr. Fix It" man who could repair anything for anyone who asked. A selfless man with many skills and abilities.  An avid outdoorsman with many talents and hobbies. To say he was one of a kind, is an understatement. 

After all this, we still are struggling to find the words to describe losing you. The pain, agony, and emptiness still continues on. You were the first to receive a call when success came in our lives, our go to person when there was a question on life. We know now that the Lord God had other plans and needed your talents in heaven.  We will never understand why, but there is nothing that can be done. Just have faith. 

This robbed you of your retirement, it robbed you of getting to see your grandchildren arrive and grow up in this world. Though your time of being a "Papa" was cut short, know that Rosie will always know you and be reminded every day of your legacy and how great you were!

Your absence will be deeply felt, but we are committed to honoring your legacy by striving to meet the standards you've set. We may find it challenging to fill your shoes, yet we embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly and are determined to succeed in continuing your vision and values. 

It's not goodbye, it's "see you down the road one day!" 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Tom's memory to the Cleveland Clinic Pancreatic Cancer Program or the Middleburg Heights Animal Shelter. 

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday August 28, 2024, St. Ambrose Church at 12:15 PM. (LIVESTREAMED AT: https://boxcast.tv/view/82724-thomas-ackim-funeral-mass-q78bzvyxrj3mjynmf8r6 (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). The family will receive friends TUESDAY  4 – 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).