James was born on August 4th 1922 in Markyate Hertfordshire, England, to John Draper and Hilda May Draper (nee) Mitchell. During WWII Jim was in the RAF, enlisting in 1941. He trained as an aircraft mechanic and for most of the war serviced Lancaster Bombers. During the war he met his wife Edith Bradley (passed), who was in the WAFs. They were married in 1943 and there son David was born in 1944. The family emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1952.
Jim, with his aeronautical background was able to get a job at AVRO Aircraft in Malton. He worked as a Structural Assembler on the CF100 and later the Arrow. Unemployed after Black Friday in 1959, he then studied to be an Electronics Technician and later worked at GE and then Litton Systems. In 1970 Jim and Edith moved to Victoria BC. Trident Aircraft was just starting and Jim was hired as an Avionics Specialist.
A multi talented individual, later in life he was a Gardener and had the opportunity to maintain gardens for Phoebe Noble, an award winning local Botanist. Jim always loved sports and was a talented soccer player, and in Canada played for Toronto City. In Saanich he coached Junior Soccer, but his real love was music and dance. He was a big fan of Bing Crosby, and most of his friends said he sounded a lot like him.
In his heart he always wanted to perform, and as a member of The Monterey Senior Center's Musical Group, The Notables, his dream was realized.
Jim is survived by his son David, his brother Frank, his sister Margaret, his grand daughter Shannon, his great grandchildren Lucas and Felipe, as well as several nieces and nephews living in England.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Thursday August 9 from 2pm to 4pm, at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18