James W. Draper

James W. Draper, age 78, of Flint, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Visitation will be held at 10:30 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 12:30 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road in Grand Blanc. James will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Online condolences can be shared on his obituary page by visiting: www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

James was born on August 28, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to the late William & Efleana Draper. He attended Mt. Morris High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corp. earning a Sharpshooter's Badge in rifles and the National Defense Service Medal. James stayed an active man his whole life, one could say he simply didn't know how to just "sit". In his early years he played in many leagues such as bowling, baseball, golf and even darts. He was a natural athlete and in retirement he served as a Silver Sneakers Coach. He lived nearly 30 years in Arizona before relocating back to Michigan to live with family in 2020 when health concerns began to pop up. The time he spent in Arizona he was employed with the Arizona School Systems as maintenance and in Michigan he worked for the City of Flint Water Department. Those who were close to James knew his prize possessions were his shoes; he made all efforts to always match his shoes to his clothing and because of that he acquired quite a collection throughout the years.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa (Damond) Farney; his two granddaughters, Cierra (Tyler) Chernosky and Hailey Farney; and his brother, Reginald Draper. James is further survived by many nieces and nephews and other dear family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Raymond, Alicia and Robert.