James Draper's Obituary
James E. Draper
James E. Draper affectionally called “Draper” was born on January 25, 1937 in Tolllette, Arkansas to Thurmond Draper and Rosie Lee. James attended a small school in Tollette Arkansas in Howard County.
In 1956 James married Charlene “Tot” Turner who preceded him in death and had eight children. In 1959 James and Tot moved their family to Casa Grand Arizona to work on the Southern Pacific Railroad until their closing. After this role, the Draper family followed his uncle Jack Shuttleworth and the Shuttlesworth to La Grand, California. In 1963 along with the Shuttlesworth family, the Draper family moved to Marysville California and held various positions. 1968 Draper commuted to and from Marysville to Fremont, California weekly to work at General Motors. In 1970 Draper changed professions and became head baker for the family owned Scotts Bakery until 1976; when he relocated his family to Oakland California.
While residing in Oakland Draper worked at Kilpatrick’s then at Langendorf Bakery in Berkeley California until its closing. Draper changed his profession and became head fork lift operator for Foam Distributors in Union City California until his retirement in 2002.
Draper was a longtime active member of Oaklands motorcycle club the “Zodiacs” where they hosted many family events.
Draper leaves to cherish his memories his children Daretta, Eldred, Leland (Mesha), Heather, Claressa (Dwayne) Dixon and Sherry Henderson. His brothers, Chester, Mack of Arkansas and Willie of Arizona and Floyd (Roy) of Los Angeles, CA, and baby sister Edith of Nashville, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death, his mother Rosie Lee and father George Lee, Thurmond Draper father and step-mother Lucille Draper. Children James Collis, Shelva Jean and Marsha Felice. His brother Kinnis, Wallace and Freddie Lee, his sisters Mattie, Mildred, Margaret, Ethel Jewell, Brenda, and his cousin Carla Shuttlesworth.
Draper is also survived by grandchildren Andre (Trina); Shelva (Ken), Shante’ (Mark), Charnell, Kiera, Kaylon, and Candise. Great grandchildren Taurus, Jay, Jaylon, Jeremiah, Jakayla, Cameron, Camille, Elijaih, Jordan and baby Fraguela.
He is survived and cherishes many memories by his aunt Charlotte Shuttlesworth and the entire Shuttlesworth family, Ron, Jerry, Dwayne, Van, Karen and LaDonna who have been with the Drapers throughout our family’s journey, along with a host of friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank the staff from Dianna’s Care Home for all the care and love they gave to our father during his time under their care.
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