John Jacob Ockers

John Jacob Ockers of Sebring, Florida, aged 93, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on December 20, 2016.  A graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, he served for 36 years as a missionary in Niger, West Africa with the mission agency SIM USA. For his pioneering work in agricultural development and training, he was awarded a medal of honor by the government of Niger. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, tree planting, and reading.  He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, generosity, industry, and devotion to his family as well as to Jesus Christ.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Jeanette Ockers, as well as by his siblings:  Helene (Ted) Brandsma, Kay (Jim) Frens, Anna Ockers, Edna (Paul) Hammond, and Fred Ockers.  He was also predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn (Rosendale) Ockers, who passed away in 1966. He is survived by a host of loving relatives:  his second wife, Anne (Kelsall) Ockers, whom he married in 1968; his sister-in-law Sarahmae Ockers; and his five children:  David (Dixie) Ockers, Esther (Jack) Lilley, Ruth (Charles) Schwinger, James Ockers, and Elizabeth (Warren) Esdale – as well as twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 10:00am in the SIM Retirement Village Chapel in Sebring, Florida.  The service will be preceded by a visitation in the Chapel.  A graveside service will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Avon Park, Florida.  All are welcome.