James Drake

Drake, James O.
Age 75, a resident of Albuquerque since 1977, died of cancer after a two year battle. He is survived by his loving wife, Kris, of 35 years; and children: Jimmy and Terri, Danetta and John, and Darrin and Sonja, all of the state of Washington; eight grandchildren: Jimmy, Mikayla, Rachel, Dee Anna, Heather, Rae Lynn, JoElle, and Ryker; and many great-grandchildren. He is, also survived by his mother, Jeffie Bea; sister, Barbara; Uncle Tom; Aunt Lettie; cousins, Carl, Maureen, Charlotte and Bill; very dear friends, John Boyden, Evelyn Carter, Janet Haller and "daughter, Pat," Nancy, and special friend, Eli; and the Peter Kiewit Construction "crew," Gray Kite and clan; mother-in-law, Virginia; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Tom; nieces and nephews, all of Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, John and Carole of Placitas. He was preceded in death by a brother, Fred. James grew up in Arkansas and New Mexico. He spent four years in the US Navy and then worked in the construction field for fifty years. James was one of those rare guys who really enjoyed his work, especially the last 35 years he spent working for Peter Kiewit and crew as a finished blade operator. James was from the old school and took his job very seriously. He took pride in doing a "good" job every time. James will be missed by his wife, children, coworkers, family and friends, but not by the neighborhood doves. Viewing and visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the Funeral Service begins at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque. Cremation will follow and inurnment with military honors presented by the US Navy will take place at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.  To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com
Strong-Thorne Life Events Center
1100 Coal Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-842-8800

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