Horseman John M. 'Jack' Ackerman, prominent in Michigan racing for many decades, died in early July at

age 83 after a long illness.

He drove his first race at age 13, then served in World War II. Ackerman gained national prominence in 20s training and racing the stock of the Brown Valley Farms from Livonia, Michigan. The stable was owned by Detroit Ford dealer Bill Brown, Jr.

“He had Royal Blackstone for a while,” says Doug Ackerman, his Hall of Fame brother. “His best horse was probably Royal Melody, a son of Royal Blackstone.”

In 1957, after the wonder colt Torpid had won the Little Brown Jug and 36 of 39 lifetime starts, it was Jack Ackerman and Royal Melody that upset Torpid in the Poplar Hill Farm pace at the Red Mile. When Royal Melody clocked a 1:58.3 mile at Vernon Downs, it made him the fourth fastest pacer of 1957, regardless of age.

Ackerman raced many other prominent horses in that era for Brown Valley Farms, including Scotch Valley, one of the top trotters in the sport, and the good pacer Royal Valley. When Scotch Valley took his 1:59.3 mark in 1956, he was one of only 20 trotters in history with a race record that fast.

Ackerman was one of the top trainers and drivers in Michigan in that era and was named the leading driver in the nation by the U.S. Harness Writers Assn in 1957 when he was 31 years old. He later developed Gay Skipper 4, 1:57.4 ($256,235)

“He lived a straight life,” said Doug. “He never smoked or drank.”

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Naomi; two brothers, Charles and Hall of Fame trainer/driver Douglas; two daughters, Jacqueline Andrews and Bette; three granddaughters, Julia Andrews, Meghan Andrews, and Mellissa Santiano; and a great-granddaughter, Lanoria Santiano.

Services will be held on July 11, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home in Noblesville, with Pastor Brian White officiating. Burial will at Crownland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to AseraCare Hospice, 3905 Vincennes Road, Ste 504, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jack Ackerman.