James Gillett Drake

James Gillett “Duck” Drake, age 91, of Altus, Arkansas passed away Monday July 18, 2022. He was of the Christian faith, a Veteran of the United States Army, and served in the Korean War. James was a fighter, literally and figuratively. He fought for our freedoms and for what he felt was right and was proud of his time spent in the Army. As time went on, he faced physical challenges that seemed insurmountable and never gave up until his body surrendered. James had a 10,000 watt smile that would light up a room, was a happy person, and had a tight circle of friends and family that he was fiercely loyal to and loved unconditionally. He felt a way to a person’s heart was through their stomach and began his love of filling bellies as a young cook in the Army. James carried that love for the rest of his life, spending years in the kitchen, running a restaurant in Altus, and working at South Park Truckstop in Clarksville, Arkansas, where he later retired. James was always quick to compliment the chef, if he felt they deserved it. After his retirement and could no longer slave over Thanksgiving turkey or his famous Christmas Candy, he dove deeply into his passion for gardening. He was a farm to table expert before it swept America. James was famous for his corn, squash, okra, beans, tomatoes, carrots, peas, potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, and just about anything else a person could grow or can. He also spent his time cultivating stunning displays of flowers for his wife, mowing his golf course worthy lawn with his ride on mower, reading, he was an avid reader, visiting and drinking coffee with his breakfast bunch at Circle M, and/or if the grandkids were coming to town he would be sitting in his recliner watching football waiting with open arms and a flashy smile. James was born October 25, 1930 in Tolar, New Mexico to Eugene and Clara Sample Drake. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, James (Jimmy”) Roy Drake; and a lifelong friend, Roy Lewis. James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maxine Stacy Drake; two daughters, Deborah Cooper and husband Calvin of Chester, Arkansas, and step daughter Lisa Timmerman and fiancé Larry Leding of Alma, Arkansas; one honorary son, Roger Lewis; eight grandchildren, Lindsey Williams and husband Bryan of Bentonville, Arkansas, Tyler Timmerman of Alma, Brett Hutchison and wife Megan of Ozark, Arkansas, Stormy Green of Rudy, Arkansas, Madison Timmerman of Van Buren, Arkansas, Austin Cooper of Chester, Arkansas, Sarah Cooper and fiancé Derek Thomas of Roland, Oklahoma, and Logan Hutchison of Chester; and the ones that loved time in his lap and will miss him dearly, his seven great grandchildren, Lucas and Viviana Williams (Papaw’s girl) of Bentonville, Greyson and Caroline Timmerman of Alma, Abigail Green, Norah June Hutchison, and Emory Jane Thomas. Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Friday July 22, 2022 at Shaffer Funeral Home 2315 West Commercial Street Ozark. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Friday July 22, 2022 at Shaffer Funeral Home Chapel 2315 West Commercial Street Ozark, with Brother Don Simpson officiating, with burial at Belt Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Brett Hutchison, Logan Hutchison, Austin Cooper, Tyler Timmerman, Calvin Cooper, Roger Lewis, Bryan Williams, and Larry Leding. To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

James Gillett Drake

October 25, 1930 - July 18, 2022