Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Aug 27, 1965 - May 13, 2019
We will miss our vacations with Jeff at the beach. We always had fun playing games, watching the sunset and relaxing by the pool. We send our love to Terri and Jeff's family.
Sandy & Bruce Spesard
May 20, 2019 | Wake Forest, NC | Friend
Loved sharing the football field with Jeff in high school, I am so sad to hear of his passing.
Prayers to the Family!
Rick Jack
May 18, 2019 | MOKENA, IL | Friend
So sorry to hear about this! I worked with Jeff for several years at CCSO and always enjoyed having him around....... always ready to do whatever I needed done and with a smile. He will be sadly missed!
Marlene Browning
May 18, 2019 | Mattoon, IL | Coworker
I remember going to my first high school dance with Jeff. We were both so awkward, mainly me!.. I'm very sad to hear of his passing.
Liz Sellett
May 17, 2019 | Friend
Jeff was like my second younger brother. He always had that mischievous smile and goofy laugh. He made a room feel warmer when he entered. He will be deeply missed. I truly cherish the memories. May God keep his entire family in his loving arms during these difficult times.
Stephenie Coartney
May 17, 2019 | Pewee Valley, KY | Friend
I"m sorry hear of Jeff's passing. I've knew him since 5th grade and we had a good time in high school. Thoughts and prayers are with his mom and family.
Jerry Fitzpatrick
May 16, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Classmate
Heck of a guy. Lots of bumps in the rod and he always smiled at you no matter what was happening in his day. Sad to see another friend pass.
Becky Keck
May 16, 2019 | Crosby, TX | Friend
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jeffs passing. We were classmates at Charleston High School, where Jeff made his mark as an athlete and good-humored jokester. Sending prayers for comfort and peace to Jeffs daughters, family, and friends.
Tammy Veach
May 16, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Classmate
So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing love and lots of care send to the family.
Dianna Hayes
May 16, 2019 | Charleston, IL | Classmate
CHARLESTON, IL – James Jeffrey Drake, age 53 of Charleston, was united with his father and brother, and the angels and saints in heaven, on Monday, May 13, 2019 while at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with a Prayer Service beginning at 4:45 p.m. The Funeral Mass, honoring and celebrating his life, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston with Father Hyland Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. Donations in his honor may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter and left at the visitation/funeral mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Jeff was born August 27, 1965 in Charleston, Illinois, a son of Jim and Judy (Wright) Drake. He is survived by his loving mother, Judy Drake of Charleston; three daughters, Victoria, Michaela and Elle Drake; a devoted sister, Chris Bough and husband Darrell and sister-in-law, Lynette Drake, all of Charleston; nieces and nephews, Jacob Bough, Cierra Bough, Hannah Drake and Michael Drake; and his long-time companion and best friend, Terri Newbill. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, his brother, Mike Drake, and an infant son and daughter.
Jeff was a 1983 graduate of Charleston High School and served with the Illinois Army National Guard. For the past eleven years he has been employed with the Coles County Sheriff’s Office in building maintenance of the Coles County Jail and Courthouse. He is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston.
Jeff was a fantastic cook with an expertise in grilling. He had a knack for being able to fix just about anything and was an excellent mechanic whose tools were organized and always in place. He enjoyed gardening and loved animals and was a friend to many. Jeff will always be remembered for his kind and gentle soul and his willingness to help anyone in need.
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