James M. Drake

James M. Drake, 68, a Norwich native, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

James (“Jim”), aka “Verne” or “Tourbe De Sphaigne,” will be missed for his dry wit and ability to make up songs and poems at a drop of the hat depending upon situational humor. He worked as an occupational therapist for close to 35 years, including 29 years at the NYS Veteran’s Home, in Oxford. However, Jim’s proudest achievement was being a great husband and father. He and his wife, Lynn, just celebrated the 47th anniversary of their first date two weeks earlier. They got engaged after four dates and got married a couple of months later. They are blessed with two sons, Peter and Andrew, and Andrew’s wife, Stacey. Jim especially loved being outdoors with family and friends. He and his boys hiked the entire 140-mile Northville-Lake Plaid Adirondack trail along with his great friend, Jim Tefft (aka “Verne 2”). He was always available to help out family and friends including spending many Friday nights helping a farmer friend milk cows even after a long work week. You could usually find Jim working outdoors: logging, hunting, trapping, fishing or (when his wife asked nicely) helping in their large garden or doing renovations on their old house (refer to the movie, Money Pit).

Jim is also survived by his brother, Tom, of South Carolina, his Aunt Beverly, of Vermont, and brother-in-law, Dr. John Brereton. In addition to his parents, Virginia and Gordon Drake, James was predeceased by his sister, Joanne Brereton.

A memorial gathering for Jim will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at the First Baptist Church of Norwich. Family and friends are welcome. We would appreciate it if you’d bring a note or card that contains a special memory about Jim when you come. Please follow COVID precautions. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Our Daily Bread food pantry, 37 W. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.