James Ellis Akenhead

Dr. James Ellis Akenhead, 83, of Bedford passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Centra Bedford memorial hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Alliance, OH, on February 9, 1943. The son of the late Robert Ellis Akenhead and Elizabeth Brunt Akenhead.

Jim was very determined from an early age. He set his mind to fixing something and through persistence and time spent he accomplished so much. Jim received his B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University (1965), M.Ed. from Kent State University (1969), Educational Specialist degree from Kent State (1972), M.S. from the University of Dayton (1980) and Ed.D. from the University of Akron (1983). Jim was a problem solver or what some folks would call a School Fixer. He was appointed superintendent of Ohio’s first district that had been closed due to bankruptcy. After dealing with that problem, he helped three more school districts that were in trouble. Each became the reason he went to work each day during his 24years as a local, country and city school superintendent. By the age 29, he was Ohio’s youngest County Scholl Superintendent. He spent decades as a school administrator in Ohio, serving as County School Supervisor for Stark County Schools, Superintendent of New Riegel Schools, Superintendent of Seneca County Schools, Superintendent of Bellaire City Schools, Superintendent of Marlington Local Schools near Alliance, Ohio. He received numerous awards for educational leadership, including Exemplary Leadership recognition from the Stark County Board of Education, Ohio commendations for contributions to education and Inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who as a notable school system administrator. In total, Dr. Akenhead’s career spanned 24 years as a school superintendent, author, speaker, and consultant. Outside of education, Jim applied his leadership experience by using team-building models in various public and private settings. His articles on helping schools have appeared in The American School Board Journal and The Executive Educator’s Career Blueprint, His wife Charlene Akenhead, has supported his endeavors for over 60 years and has been recognized for her career in Administration and Counseling. Jim was also an avid dog trainer who loved Alaskan Malamutes and German Shepards. A man who loved his family, his work, his guns and his tools. He will be missed in the days ahead and may his legacy continue through his family, friends, previous employees and colleagues.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, of 61 years, Dr. Charlene Duriga Akenhead; his son, Matt Akenhead and his wife, Liz; three granddaughters, Lauryl, Samantha and Norah Akenhead; a brother, Robert Akenhead and numerous other families, friends and colleagues.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Jim’s memory and in lieu of flowers please consider K9 Hurricane’s Heroes, Inc, P.O. Box 38666, Colorado Springs, CO 80937.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be conducted 6:00pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Sebring Presbyterian Church in Sebring, OH with Pastor Fred Higgins officiating. A time of Fellowship and receiving of friends will follow the service and conclude at 8:00pm. For those wishing to send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.