James P. Drude

James P. Drude (Jim) 72 of Enfield, CT died peacefully in his sleep May 23, 2025. Jim was born in Hartford, CT on January 25, 1953. The son of the late Robert E. Drude Sr. and Catherine F. (Fagan) Drude. Jim grew up in Granby, CT and is a graduate of Granby Memorial High School. He received an associate's degree from Central Connecticut State University. Jim entered the food service business after college, beginning with Lykes Dispensing Systems where he was honored as Salesman of the Year 4 times, three in a row. Earning him the title of Branch Manager. He then moved to Moccomat a division of Sara Lee where he was hired as the Branch Manager starting a new office serving Metro Boston and surrounding areas. The next phase of Jim's career found him running the family business Tagco/Tri Star Gage; manufacturing thread measuring gages. His final position was with MSC Industrial, selling cutting tools and industrial supplies. In his spare time, he learned how to scuba dive, and fly small aircraft. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles. Jim was an avid Modified Race Car fan, a season ticket holder for many years at Staford Motor Speedway. Jim shared an affinity for trains with his lifelong friend Jeff Moody of Granby, CT. So, when you hear a train whistle think of him. He is survived by a sister, Susan Drude Cook, and husband William Cook of CT; a brother Peter Drude and wife Karen Drude of Southwick, MA; a sister-in-law Meg (Harris) Drude of Plymouth, MA, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Robert E. Drude Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to Celebrate Jim's Life with us, his family will receive friends on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 10:00- 11:30 AM followed by services at 11:30 AM all at Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East St. N. (Rt. 159), Suffield. Burial will be in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.con.