Born in Portland, Oregon, John R. Akres, Jr. was the son of John R. Akres Sr. and Essie Cephas. Following his graduation from Redlands High School in Redlands, California, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. John migrated from Redlands, California to Chicago, Illinois, with high hopes of entering the military. However, God had a different plan for his life. Instead of the earthly military, John enlisted in the Lord’s army under the leadership of the late Elder James E. Lenox. He later received the baptism of the Holy Ghost under the spiritual guidance of his godmother, the late Mother Buelah Harris. Answering a higher calling to the ministry, John was ordained as an Elder at Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. He later transitioned to serve faithfully at Prayer Tower Fellowship, Gary, Indiana, under the late Pastor Kenneth R. Collins. Following this season, he received his next divine ministry assignment and spiritual covering under Pastor, Dr. May E. DuPree,Lighthouse Fellowship International Prayer Tower Church in Toledo, Ohio. John loved the Lord deeply and was truly a man of faith, firmly believing in the power of fasting and prayer. Because of his profound love for gleaning wisdom from the elders of the church, he affectionately earned the nickname ‘Father John.

Outside of his ministry his true motorcycle enthusiast and an avid rider for many years. He was also known for his strong work ethic, dedicating 25 years of loyal service to Con-way Central Express (CCX) Trucking Company, from which he later retired. John was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Akres, Sr., Essie Cephas; his brothers, Melvin Cephas and Michael Akres. He leaves those to remember and cherish his loving wife, Denise Poston Akres, his sisters, Linda Whitley (Michael Whitley) of Miami, FL, Sarah Aultman of Redlands, CA, his children, John Akres III, Danielle Akres, Renee Poston, his grandchildren, Pravion Walls, Jr., Josiah Akres, Azzaria Williams, Selena Poston, Akyrah Poston of Chicago, IL. and a host of nieces, nephews, favorite God sisters (Pamela and Paulette Harris) extended family, and friends