John D. Drake

John D. Drake died March 9, 2026; he was 97 years of age.
Known to his friends as "Jack," he is survived by his wife, Delia, and four sons – Robert of Manchester, NJ, Timothy of Westwood, NJ, Peter of Ora Valley, AZ, and John J. of Amelia Island, FL. Also surviving are four grandchildren – Brian, Sean, Delia, and John Patrick, and four great-grandchildren – Jeremiah, Peter, Penelope, and William. This year Jack and Dee celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
Dr. Drake is a well-known consultant, author, psychologist, and speaker. He founded and served as CEO for Drake-Beam and Associates, Inc., a nation-wide human resources consulting firm. He was a major force in developing the concept of outplacement, and his company became the leader in the field.
His wife, Dee, says that she was attracted to Jack "Because of his broad smile and friendly nature." She describes him as "A self-starter and entrepreneur. When he saw a challenge, he usually tried to find ways to overcome it rather than to decide that it was too difficult or couldn't be done. He had a wonderful ability to attract others to his enterprises and to create a work atmosphere that generates commitment."
In additional to Drake-Beam, Jack also founded Drake Inglesi Milardo, Inc., a human resources consulting firm based in Portland, Maine; he served as its president until he retired in 1996. Along with Dee, he also established The Counseling Center, a Kennebunk mental health facility.
Jack had a great love for his family and recognized the importance of a balanced lifestyle. For this reason, as a young man, he sold Drake-Beam to a major publishing firm, and in 1980, he and his family moved from New Jersey to their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Jack was also active as a community leader: he served as a Trustee for the University of New England, Commodore for the Kennebunk River Club, President of the Point Arundel And Corinthians Condo Associations, President of the Arundel Paddle Tennis Club, and with Dee, directed World Wide Marriage Encounter for Maine.
Earlier in his career, he was director of psychological services for Dunlap and Associates and director of management development for Allied-Signal Corporation.
Dr. Drake is a successful author with 11 published books including the best-selling and award-winning Downshifing; How to work Less and Enjoy Life More, now published in ten languages. In addition are: New Blue (his first novel, written at age 92 with K. Kozak), The Perfect Interview – How to Win the Job You Really Want, How to Drop Five Strokes without Having One, Act II: The Adventures of a Young Widow, Performance Appraisal – One More Time, The Effective Interviewer, Interviewing for Managers, The New Cook's Cookbook (with S. Milardo), How to Find a Job When Jobs Are Hard to Find (with J Oppliger), and A CEO's Guide to Interpersonal Relationships.
Jack earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Case-Western Reserve University, an MA in psychology from Fordham University, and a BS in economics and psychology from Rutgers University.
Jack enjoyed sports and athletics. He earned varsity letters at Rutgers both in track and 150 lb football, and was an avid tennis player, sailor, skier, and golfer. He was a member of Arundel Yacht Club, Cape Arundel Golf Club, Webhanet Golf Club, Tequesta Country Club, Golf Club of Amelia Island, and the Kennebunk River Club.
A memorial mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 202 N. 4th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. A reception will follow in the St. Michael Parish Hall.