James "Jim" Francis Draper

James “Jim” Francis Draper, 78, of Caro passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Saginaw. Jim was born on February 24, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Wilford and Leora (Eckel) Draper, and was a 1964 graduate of Ortonville High School. Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a Sergeant with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, known as the “Wolf Pack.” He was honorably discharged in 1971, after which he worked for over 18 years with General Motors, then as a truck driver for many years, retiring from American Axle in 2009. Jim met Debby Ihrke in 1985 and the pair would marry on November 13, 1987. She survives him. He was an outdoorsman in his younger years, enjoying hunting and fishing, and loved watching Westerns. Jim treasured time spent with family, especially the special moments he shared with Debby and the loving opportunities he had with his grandkids. He could often be found having time to himself, putting around the house or tinkering in the garage, and made sure everyone who needed it in his community had their driveway plowed. He is remembered as being a loving, kind, and fun man with a good sense of humor and a great personality.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debby Draper; children James (Kathy) Draper, Jr., Keith (Karen) Draper, Robert (Angie) Draper, Travis (Brandy) McComb, James Ewald, and Joseph (Amanda) Ewald; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sister Mary (Fred) Osterman; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and his loving dog Cindy-Lou.

Jim was preceded in death by his son John Draper and grandson Oliver Davis. In accordance with the wishes of Jim’s family, cremation is to take place. Military honors will be rendered at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, or The Moving Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial.