James "Jim" Draper

1952 - 2023

Eagle - Jim was born April 6, 1952, in Boise, Idaho to Ellis Draper and Margaret Drake Draper. He was raised with his older sister Janellis in Boise's north end neighborhood. Growing up Jim loved the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting and camping with his friends throughout the Idaho wilderness.

He attended Capital High School, graduating in 1970, where he met many of his lifelong friends. Following high school Jim attended Boise State University and was a Bronco football fan, until the day his children attended the University of Idaho, which is when he started rooting for the Vandals.

In 1980 Jim married Laurie Madarieta and they went on to have two children, Andrea and Matthew. Jim was happiest in the outdoors either camping in Grandjean with his family or at elk camp with friends. Although Jim was a man of few words, he made an exception when it came to his kids; he was a proud supporter of all they accomplished, never missing an opportunity to brag about them.

Jim built a more than 50-year career in the lumber business beginning with Hoff Lumber Mill in Horseshoe Bend and then moving on to Boise Cascade, Idaho Pacific Lumber and BMC West. He spent the last 15 years of his career working for Franklin Building Supply and loved not only the work itself but the people that he worked with.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Laurie and their children Andrea (Hans) Lohse and Matthew Draper, one grandson, Otto James Lohse, as well as many beloved family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Margaret, and his sister Janellis Strader.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 7th at 10:30 a.m. at Cloverdale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his name to the Idaho Food Bank.