Arkport - James E. “Jim” Drake,77, of 31 Oak Hill St., Arkport, NY
died October 26, 2017 at Elderwood at Hornell, following a short illness.
Born in Jasper, NY on June 6, 1940, he was the son of
Burdett & Viola (Davis) Drake.
Jim grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper Central
School (class of 1958) where he participated on many sports teams. Throughout
the years, Jim resided in several locations, including Jasper, Hornell and
Arkport.
Following high school graduation, Jim was employed for a
time by the Town of Jasper as a member of the Jasper Highway Department. He was
later employed in many capacities including conductor & brakeman for the
former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail & Norfolk Southern
Railroad. He retired in 2002 following 40 years of service.
Jim was a member of the Arkport American Legion, past member
of the Arkport Fire Department and former Zoning Officer for the Arkport
Village. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting and watching NASCAR racing.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his
sister, Joyce Paddock; his brother, Lyle Drake; and sister in law, Joanne
Drake.
Jim was married on October 7, 1961 to the former Brenda
Dennis who survives and still resides in Arkport. Also surviving are 3
daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Rechichi of Arkport, Dawn (Steve) Mess of Arkport, Jodi
(Ryan) Howe of Arkport; 1 son, Dennis (Wendy) Drake of Arkport; 3 brothers,
Harold Drake of Canisteo, Charles (Carolyn) Drake of Las Vegas, NV and Edsel
(Marla) Drake of Salamanca, NY; 1 sister, Marilyn (Paul) Harvey of Salamanca,
NY; 12 grandchildren; Chelsey Wyant of Rochester, Kyleigh (Justin) Recktenwald
of Arkport, Ashley, Jordan, Austin and Bryar Drake of Arkport, Jaden and Jenna
Mess of Arkport, Bradley Mess of Wellsville, Steven Mess of Norridgewock ME.,
Logan and Kaleb Howe of Arkport, and several nieces & nephews.
At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. A private
memorial service for family will be held at the convenience of the family. Family & friends are invited to a
“Remembrance Dinner” held on Saturday (November 4, 2017) at 1:00 p.m. at the
Arkport American Legion.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649
Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Arkport Central School
Library Fund, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807.
To leave an online condolence
or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
