James Draper

On June 10th, 2015 James Draper, 64, joined his father and sister in Heaven. He has missed both of them for decades and is at peace, surrounded by God's love. Jim died the way he lived, with great strength and courage, in his den at home, under Hospice care and surrounded by his loving family: Janith, his mother, his sisters Bonnie and Lori and his brother Bruce. Born in Morrisville, VT on August 17, 1950, Jim spent his younger years in Cady's Falls, VT, and then moved to the Burlington area, where he lived until moving to The Villages, FL in 2004. Jim worked all of his life in the construction industry, mostly as a supervisor. The project that he most enjoyed was the Ben & Jerry's office building because it was creative, whimsical and challenging--working off the blue prints. Jim was a gifted carpenter and had a knack for putting his own special mark on every project that he did. His family will always remember the care he took in making our three homes unique and very special. Jim took great pride in these projects, big or small, and we always knew that he was doing them for us, so that we could enjoy our homes more fully. Jim moved to The Villages in 2004 with the love of his life, Janith Lockwood. He loved his tools, playing golf, fishing and watching as many Red Sox and Patriots games as possible. He was a member of The Villages Red Sox Nation, the largest and most active Red Sox Nation group in the country. Above all else, Jim loved to come home to his Green Mountains. He loved the back roads of Vermont and must have put a lot of miles on his trucks over the years, exploring them. Often he and Janith would go for rides and he'd share his favorite places. He'd turn up the radio or CD player, cruise along and sing right along with his favorites, The Eagles and The Beatles---or most country western songs. He knew all the words to almost every song and had an exceptionally good singing voice. Jim is survived by his partner of 28 years, Janith Lockwood; his mother, whom he loved dearly, Ramona Dion of St Albans; two sisters: Bonnie Conchieri (Keith) Colchester and Lori Ploof (Stephen) St Albans; three brothers: David (Nancy) Bristol, Steven (Paula) South Burlington, Bruce (Lisa) Tampa, FL. He is also survived by three children: Tracie Draper Kernen, Truckee, CA, Katharine Lockwood, Seattle, WA, and Ryan Lockwood, Malta, NY. He leaves three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private memorial service will be held in Vermont in August to celebrate Jim's life. Hospice and Jim's doctor and nurses allowed Jim to be at home when he passed and guided/supported Janith and Jim through this difficult life experience. We ask that you support your local hospice in any way possible to honor Jim.