Longtime West Islip resident James Drake died on Oct. 20, 2008 at his home in St. James. He was 81.

Born Nov. 7, 1926 in Brooklyn to Clarence and Josephine (nee Reddy), he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Philippines. For 18 years, he lived on Sequams Lane in West Islip, before moving to Southold and later to St. James.

Mr. Drake spent his career in management at the A&P Tea Company in Brooklyn and on Long Island for 42 years, retiring in 1989. According to his family, he loved the water, aviation history, music, singing and rooting for the New York Yankees.

He leaves behind his wife Patricia (nee Dwyer) who he married on July 3, 1948; his children: Susan Hall of Smithtown, Donna Golden of Atlanta, Georgia, Theresa Moore of Lindenhurst, Patricia Breen of Floral Park, James of Whippany, New Jersey, Anne Alesi of Dunedin, Florida, Joseph of Okinawa, Japan and Catherine and Christine both of Miramar, Florida. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Louise and Walter.

Funeral Services were held Oct. 15, 2008 at St. Joseph R.C. Church in Babylon. Interment followed at Long Island National Cemetery at Pinelawn.

Donations in Mr. Drake's name can be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718.