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 PM 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.