James R. Drake

Drake, James R. BALLSTON SPA James Robert Drake, 94, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 3, 2013, with his family at his side. Born on January 4, 1919, in Manchester, Conn., he was the son of James and Nellie Drake. Jim graduated from Saratoga High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was employed 38 years at General Electric Company in Schenectady, as a machinist and tool-maker, retiring in April 1985. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean (Ivers) Drake; their son, James Michael and daughter-in-law Joanne Drake of Gainesville, Texas; and their daughter, Shelly Hudson and son-in-law Ray Hudson of Middlebury, Vt.; four grandsons and their wives, Eric and Christine of Berkley, Calif., Aaron and Maruzela of Georgetown, Texas, Ian and Amy of Philadelphia, and Cavan and Carmina of Keene, N.Y., five great-grandsons; two sisters, Virginia Kulpa and Beverly Morris of Galway and many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed a long retirement. He was a good neighbor, a kind and generous man. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 9 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High St., Ballston Spa. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Town of Saratoga. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made in his name to your favorite charity if you so wish. Online remembrances may be made at armerfuneralhome.com