Obituary of James B. Drake

ADRIAN: James B. "Jim" Drake, 72 of Cty. Rte. 119 went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday afternoon (Sept. 18, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital after being stricken at home. Jim was born October 30, 1943 in the town of Canisteo to the late Leo and Kathryn (Parsels) Drake. On April 11, 1964 in the town of Gibson he married the former Nellie Barber who survives and resides in Adrian. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his step mother Marian Drake, a brother Leo Drake and son-in-law Robert "Bob" Baker. Jim had worked for the Canisteo Town Highway Dept. from 1987-2007. From 1996 until his retirement in 2007 he was Town Highway Superintendent. After retirement he drove school bus for the Canisteo-Greenwood School District for 10 years. He was a member of the Adrian Baptist Church where he was a former Superintendent and Deacon, and he had also taught Sunday school for several years. Jim had a true and abiding appreciation for the outdoors and especially hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted Christian man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing. He had a great passion for serving Jesus Christ and witnessing to and for anyone. Jim was a caring and compassionate man who always put the needs of others before his own and was always willing to help others in the time of need. He was a very proud family man who loved to read his Bible and make the most of each day, a life well lived. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Nellie Drake of Adrian, Jim is survived by two sons: Stephen (Audra) Drake of Canisteo and Kevin Drake (Lori Eldridge) of Cameron, four daughters: Debra (Douglas) Brokaw, Peggy (Carlton) Howland, Cindy (Adam) Mix all of Adrian and Tammy (Scott) Connell of Canisteo. 17 grandchildren: Erica, Bonnie, Crystal, Rebecca, Sarah, Brandon, Cody, Kyle, Christopher, Conner, Dakota, Jarrid, Holly, Hailey, Kala, Mike and Matt. 8 great grandchildren: Brie, Zoey, Ashlynn, Emma Grace, Makenna, Adrianna, Jaxyon and Kira. Jim is also survived by 4 brothers, 5 sisters and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 6-8 pm Wednesday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo, where a funeral service will take place Thursday at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Memorial contributions in James Drake's name may be made to the Adrian Baptist Church, 3531 Cty. Rte. 119, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823. Service: Thursday: Sept. 22, 2016 11:00 am H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. Visitation: Wednesday: Sept. 21, 2016 1-3 and 6-8 pm H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, N.Y.