James L. Drake

James L. Drake, 76, of Hamilton, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Capital Health, Hopewell. Born in New Brunswick, James was a US Marine Veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. After his service, Jim met his wife Barbara and they moved to the Hamilton area. He earned his degree from Rider College and worked for the New Jersey State Police as a State Trooper for 30 years, retiring in 1996 as a Sergeant First Class. James was a member of St. Gregory the Great in Hamilton and loved fishing and spending time at his beach house. He was a devoted husband and father and adored his grandchildren.

Son of the late James and Anna Kaczorowski, he was predeceased by his daughter, Beth Ann Drake and his grandson, George Alexander Drake. James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Drake; his children, Kevin and Rea Drake of King George, VA and Amy and Neil Potter of Lawrenceville; his grandchildren, James Ryan Drake, Evangelina Amare Drake, Scarlet Drake Potter and Vivian Park Potter; his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and William Lisner of Little Egg Harbor and two nephews, David and his wife Meridith and Steven Lisner.

A viewing will be held from 4-8pm on Wednesday, April 24th at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Thursday at St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Square. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 ST. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.