James William Draper

James William Draper, 84, of Dinwiddie County, VA, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born in Oswego, NY on June 15, 1941, he was the son of the late James Orin Draper and Mary Stock Scott. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Price Draper; brother, Kenneth R. Calkins; and his sister, June H. Bartlett.

He is survived by his children, Betty Gambucci, David Draper (Sandy), Debra Srock (Fred), Douglas Draper, Dwayne Draper, Louis “Eddie” Hanford (Ann), Pamela Robertson (George), and Robert Hanford; grandchildren, Ashley (Robert), Brett, Elizabeth, George III., Jacelyn (Jeremy), Jordan (Jason), Joshua (Nicole), Josh, Joseph, II., Michelle (Matthew), and Tabitha; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Dillian, Layla, and Tatum; and many other extended family members.

James served in the United States Army before beginning his career in manufacturing. He worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco for many years and later continued his craft as a machinist with Pre-Con, where he eventually retired. He was also a longtime faithful member of Smyrna Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, VA. James also enjoyed putting together puzzles in his free time.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Smyrna Baptist Church, 18971 Carson Rd, Dinwiddie, VA 23841. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, https://smyrna1897.org/give or to Dinwiddie Fire & EMS, 13850 Courthouse Rd, PO Drawer 70, Dinwiddie, VA 23841.