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JAMES DRAKE Obituary

Drake, James "Jim", 68, of Anaheim, passed away September 22, 2010 at home after a two month battle with Melanoma. He was born in Orange on December 9, 1941 to Ernest and Elizabeth Drake. He graduated from Western High School in 1961 and served in the US Navy from 1963-1966. He worked as a heavy duty diesel mechanic from age 15 and retired from the City of Fountain Valley as Fleet Manager in 2001. As a lifelong Orange County resident, he was an avid historian of Orange County history. He spent the last 20+ years racing in the nostalgia drag racing series. His passions were drag racing, motorcycle racing, fishing and his family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan; his daughters, Kerry (Chuck) Gunther and Wendy (Colt) Martin; grandsons, Ethan and Eli Gunther and Luke and Logan Martin; and brother, Delbert Drake. Services were held.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Sep. 29, 2010.

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5 Entries

God just got himself a really good one!

Julie Allison

October 7, 2010

Dearest Susan, Carrie, and Wendy.... I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Having known Jim "back in the day" I know you will miss his everlasting humor and devotion to his family. I will pray that your pain is lessened as each day passes. Love to you all and your family members.

October 3, 2010

Drake family,I'm very sorry for your loss.I was the senior sweeper operator for Fountain Valley for 30 years and Jim was one of the best mechanic I've known.We both had a love for cars,I gave Jim A picture that I took My chevy Nomad in front of the old 39 drive-in which he liked.So very sorry again for your loss.

Fred Rue
sweeper-operator, retired (F.V.)

Bob Kirchgessner

October 1, 2010

With deepest sympathy and prayers in this time of great loss!

Although recently retired from the City of Fountain Valley, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for many years. He was always in a happy mood with alot of stories or jokes to tell. He truly loved his drag racing. He was missed when he retired, he will be greatly missed forever.

Be strong and cherish the many memories. God Bless!

Bob Kirchgessner
(Water Supervisor, retired)

Barbara Dunphy

September 29, 2010

Dear Sue,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Jim and will continue to remember you and your family in my prayers. Love, Barb

September 29, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.

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