James Drake, Jr.

​Mount Vernon – James C. Drake, Jr., 78, passed away at his home on Monday September 5, 2022.

​Jim was born on November 28, 1943 to the late James and Alice Louise (Fronce) Drake. He was drafted into the Army and served 13 months in Vietnam from October of 1968 to November of 1969, earning the rank of Sgt. He was a journeyman and an accomplished machinist, and former inspector at Rolls Royce. Jim was a committee man for the Union and served as President of Erie 90 for 3 years. He was also a former certified golf course superintendent and served as the club pro, and later project engineer. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4027, including past Commander, and also the AmVets Post 95. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion, and an honorary life member of the Moose Lodge 2555. He was a former member of the Knox Hand Gunners, and the Kokosing Valley Coon Hunters’ Club.

​He is survived by his wife, Shirley Drake; his sons, Howard S. Drake of Mount Vernon, and James Carrol Drake of Illinois; his brother, Edwin C. (Lynn) Drake and nephew, Edwin C. (Kelly) Drake, Jr., and nieces Shayla and Michelle; four grandchildren; several great grandchildren; his step-children, Stephanie (Jess) Mike, Kevin (Jeanie) Denman, and Pamela (Josh) Etzwiler; and his cousin, Connie (Garland) Flemming of Utica.

​A private graveside service for family and friends, with military rites from the Knox County Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard, will take place at Workman Cemetery. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling arrangements

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