James Edgar Drake

James Edgar “Jimmy” Drake, 78, of Madison, passed into the great beyond on July 5, 2025. He was born on November 24, 1946, in Madison, WV, to the late Paul and Margaret (Butcher) Drake. Jimmy loved soul music, WVU football, and the Cleveland Browns. He attended Scott High School, entered the U.S. Army at a young age, and proudly served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and the VFW Post #5578. After his military service, he worked in the coal mines and retired from Bethlehem Coal.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Janice Sharon Drake; his parents, Paul and Margaret Drake; and his siblings: Rev. Lawrence Drake, Kaye Drake, Paul Drake, Nancy Smith, Alice Drake, Thomas Drake, William Drake, and Kerry Drake.

Left to cherish Jimmy's memory is his son, Chad of Madison, WV; his grandchildren, Keaira of Van Lear, KY, Timothy and Trey of Madison, WV; and his great-grandson and pride and joy, Jack of Maple Hill, NC. He is also survived by his brother, Don Drake of Madison, WV, and his two sisters, Gwen Drake of Rand, WV, and Margaret Drake of Columbus, OH. Jimmy never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. He is fondly remembered by a host of nieces and nephews.

Services will be officiated by Bil Cook and held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Handley Funeral Home, Danville, WV. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Madison, WV.

Services will also be live streamed for those who cannot attend the service.