Colonel Retired James Drake

Colonel (Ret) James Maurice Drake II, age 69, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. COL Drake was born on October 22, 1946 in Montpelier, Ohio to the late James Maurice Drake and Wilma Chestnut Drake. Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ruth Eaton Drake; his children, James M. Drake III of Berea, KY, Jay (Rita) Drake of Richmond, KY, Alicia (Stan) Riley of Frankfort, KY and Ashleigh (Mark) Kennedy of Lawrenceburg, KY; six grandchildren, Caleb and Wyatt Kennedy; Nicholas, Ethan and Gavin Riley; Shayla Allen, and his beloved dog, Woodee; two brothers, Jerry (Anita) Drake of Phoenix, AZ and Tom Drake of Ossian, IN and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim attended Eastern Kentucky University where he enrolled in the Army ROTC program and was heavily involved in Pershing Rifles. He completed his education at EKU in 1969 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He served proudly on active duty for nearly ten years. His service took him to Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He served in various stateside duty stations including Fort Knox, Fort Sill, and Fort Lewis. Jim discovered an opportunity to serve his Nation as well as the Commonwealth and joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1978. He served in numerous assignments in both Field Artillery and Aviation branches. His last assignment was on the Adjutant General’s staff as the Director of Personnel. COL Drake retired on April 30, 1995 with more than 26 years of military service. His numerous awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Jim loved music. In particular he enjoyed brass bands and American March music. He was quite an accomplished tuba player. Arrangements are under the direction of LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home, 1725 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, June 12 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM EST for family and friends. The funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church, 211 Washington St., Frankfort, KY 40601 on Monday, June 13. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM EST to 1:00 PM EST at the church with funeral to follow at 1:00 PM EST. COL Drake will be interred at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, Kentucky at a time to be determined. Military honors will be conducted by the Kentucky National Guard. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be MG (Ret) Michael Davidson, COL (Ret) Roger Green, COL (Ret) Cleland White, MAJ (Ret) Marty Pinkston, Greg Strange, Bobby Courtney, Denny Tigges and Charles Smith. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Kentucky National Guard Memorial, PO Box 5466, Frankfort, KY 40602-5466 or United Methodist Church, 211 Washington Street, Frankfort, Ky 40601. You may share memories and leave condolences on his tribute wall at www.ljtfuneralhome.com.

Colonel Retired James Drake

October 22, 1946 - June 7, 2016