Obituary of James F. Drake

Horseheads: Age 88, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Jim was born February 3, 1926, a son of Earnest L. and Mary (Perry) Drake. Jim is survived by his children, and their spouses, Timothy J. and Sandy Drake of Swannanoa NC, Ronald E. and Karen Drake of Corning, and Diane E. and Eugene Terwilliger Jr. of Lindley NY; grandchildren, Jeremy (Lona) Drake and Kristin (John) Williams; step-grandchildren, Michael (Delaine) Preston and Rebecca Preston; three great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Clifford and Ruth Drake of Lawrenceville PA; sister-in-law Ruby Drake of Campbell NY; along with several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, Shirley and Glenn Drake and sister Hazel Drake. Jim was a U S Army veteran serving during World War II. A machinist at Ingersoll Rand, he retired after 20 years of service. Jim also ran Drake's Grocery, a neighborhood store, for nearly 15 years on Corning's Northside. Not content to retire, Jim went back to work at Light's Bakery working 3 hours a day, 6 days a week for over 20 years. He continued to work until this past February but reluctantly had to give it up because of declining health. Jim was a member of the Elmira Heights American Legion, an avid golfer and fisherman, and a devoted NY Yankee fan. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m. with Father Christopher Linsler officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery on Monday. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Jim with a donation to the American Lung Association, 418 Broadway 1st Floor, Albany, NY 12207 or The First Tee Program, Attn: Glenn Schneider Memorial Fund, P O Box 1048, Corning NY 14830.