Obituary: James F. Ackroyd, Trained and Raced Standard Breed Horses for 15 Years

Obituary from Conte Funeral Home.

James F. Ackroyd, 72, a resident of North Andover, died unexpectedly January 9, 2015 at Lawrence General Hospital. He was born on April 9, 1942 in Lawrence, MA to the late David and Adele (March) Ackroyd. He was raised in Lawrence, and was a graduate of Lawrence High School class of 1959.

James was employed for Al Kamal, buying and selling cars. During that time, he started racing horses at Rockingham Park in Salem NH. He then went on to Rocky Hill Farm in Methuen, and started training and racing Standard Breed horses for George Abdullah for 15 years. He then owned and operated Busy Bee Donut Shop in Plaistow with his brother Dan followed by his employment at Malden Mills as a Supervisor until his retirement in 2005.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Claudette (Guerin) Ackroyd of North Andover, daughter Kim Moury and her husband Shawn, and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Emma and Connor Moury all of North Andover. Brothers Kenneth Ackroyd and his wife Donna of Methuen MA,and Dennis Ackroyd and his wife Susan of Casco ME. Sisters in law, Irene Ackroyd of Palm Harbor FL, Yvette Guerin of El Cajon CA, Dot Chapdelaine of Methuen MA, Pauline Ortner of El Cajon, CA, and Martha LaRochelle of Loudon NH. Brother in law Armand Bourassa of Derry NH, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Daniel Ackroyd and David Ackroyd,

Family and friends may call on Wednesday January 14th from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the CONTE FUNERAL HOME 28 FLORENCE ST. ANDOVER, MA 01810. Services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ name to the American Heart Association /American Stroke Association PO Box 3049 Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.