James Edward Drake

James Edward Drake, 72, was called home to Heaven on October 13, 2022. Ed was born on December 20, 1949, to the late Robert and Doris Drake of Anderson, SC. A graduate of Clemson University, Ed always loved watching the Tigers with his family and friends. In the early ‘80s, Ed met and married the love of his life, Donna Blalock Drake. Together they raised two sons, Ryan and Justin; being their dad was his proudest accomplishment.

Ed and Donna have lived in Orange Park, FL, for the past 13 years, spending the last three years enjoying retirement. They built a beautiful home that Ed loved to maintain; he could always be found landscaping, working on his tan and his world-famous legs.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Bob Altman and Sidney “Sheb” Barling.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, his sons, Ryan (Nicole) and Justin (Haley), his granddaughter, Raleigh, his sisters, Barbara Ann (Bob) Thomas and Sandra Altman, his niece Jessica (Justin), great nieces, Sidney and Summer, and other relatives both near and far.

Ed never met a stranger; he was a friend to many but also served as a mentor to countless others.  Every room he entered was filled with laughter and his faith in our Lord and Savior was unwavering. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ed’s honor on Saturday, October 22nd at their family home in Orange Park.