James Jim Ezra Drake Jr

James E. “Jim” Drake, Jr., a native of DeFuniak Springs, FL born on March 22, 1928, passed away on January 13, 2016 with his loved ones surrounding him with love. In Jim’s early years, he served in the U.S. Army and completed college at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. After a lengthy career with HRS, he retired in 1983 with a commendation for his Dedication to the Betterment of Human Services and Public Welfare in the State of Florida.

During his second career, Jim served as the Executive director of the Area Agency on Aging and continued as a Volunteer with the Department of Elder Affairs, SHINE Program.

Jim was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Seekers Sunday School Class.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ayers Drake of Tallahassee; one brother, Chuck (Anne) of Greenwood, SC; two sons, James G. of Key West, FL, Robert (Nancy) of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter, Kathy (Jim) Craig of Tallahassee; grandchildren, Drake and Cara Rowland of Tallahassee, Ryan and Caroline of Winston-Salem, NC, and Stephanie of Orlando, FL; two step-children, Cynthia (Tony Garcia) Kelly and Chris (Teri) Pope of Tallahassee; five step grandchildren; two great grandsons; and two great granddaughters.

The funeral service for Jim will be at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church on Monday, January 18 at 11:00 am with a family visitation on Sunday, January 17 from 5-7 pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road.

Memorial gifts to be made to Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elevator Fund.