Joseph B. Acker

Joseph “Joe” B. Acker, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, with his family by his side. Born on April 1, 1950, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to Florence and Albert Acker, Joe spent his early years in Pennsylvania before moving to Arizona in 1970 to pursue his love of basketball. He first played at Central Arizona College and then at Grand Canyon College, where he also earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. While at Grand Canyon, Joe met his first wife, Becky, and together they raised two children. Joe began his career teaching middle school and coaching basketball, later transitioning into a successful career in the media industry. In 2000, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own agency, which he operated with dedication and pride.

Beyond his professional life, Joe will be remembered for his love of music—especially the oldies—his enjoyment of collecting knickknacks, watching sports, relaxing by the pool, playing basketball, and his fondness for classic Westerns. His greatest joy came from time spent with family and friends. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl Acker; his son, Jason Acker, and daughter-in-law, Veronica Acker; his daughter, Jocelyn Reeves, and son-in-law, Nick Reeves; his granddaughter, Lexi Smalley, and her husband, Austin Smalley; his acquired son, Andre, and grandson, Alex Acker; his grandchildren Blake Reeves and Conner Reeves; and his great-granddaughter, Kinsley Smalley. He is also survived by his brother, James Acker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Albert Acker, and his brother, Ron Kane. A funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

One of Joe’s favorite sayings was: “Have all your ducks in a row.”