CROMWELL, Ky. — James R. “Jay” Drake, 87, of Cromwell, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at his home. He was born May 12, 1938, in Henderson County, Kentucky, to the late James Oscar and Vera Miller Drake.
Jay was a carpenter and member of Green River Baptist Church. He proudly served in the United States Army.
Aside from his parents he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Donald Ray Johnson; grandson, Rusty Whittaker; and three brothers, Layverne Drake, Thurman D. Drake, and Sheryl Drake.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 65 years, Janice Drake, of Cromwell; daughters, Jan Drake-Guy and Vicky Johnson; sons, Todd Drake and Steven Drake; grandchildren, Janna (Jon) Boyd, Jesika Whittaker, Destini Johnson, Jacob Drake, Rachel Guy, Keaton Drake, and Taylor Drake; great-grandchildren, Gage Whittaker, JJ Drake, Parker Boyd, Brooklyn Rhoades, Brenlee Rhoades, Brystal Rhoades, Payton Whittaker, Trinity Whittaker, Melanie Guy, and Remedy Depew; great-great-grandson, Russell Kolt Whittaker; and brother, Robert “Pee Wee” Drake.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, with Bro. Kelly Harris officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to, Hospice of Ohio County, 1211 Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347.
Online condolences may be left for the family of James R. “Jay” Drake by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.
