Mr. Jean Charles Drake

November 6, 1945 - October 18, 2021

11/06/1945 - 10/18/2021

Past Services

Cemetery
Saturday October 23, 2021
Following at Highland Memorial Gardens
US 13 South
Ahoskie, NC 27910
Directions
Service
Saturday October 23, 2021
12:00 pm
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
122 NC 561 West
Ahoskie, NC 27910
Directions

COLERAIN, NC – Jean Charles Drake, 75, of Colerain, NC passed away peacefully at home in his favorite chair on October 17, 2021. Born November 6, 1945 in Portsmouth, VA.  He was the youngest son of John Carroll and Carrie Ralph Drake, who raised him with a Christian faith. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the Craddock area of Portsmouth where his father worked at the Naval Shipyard. A Christmas Day fire in 1955 burned their home and forced the family to relocate to Suffolk, VA. There he played varsity football and graduated from Suffolk High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He served 4 years on active duty including a deployment to Cuba, a stint with the Marine Corps football team, and a participant on the National Rifle Team. During a shooting match in Port Clinton, OH in 1966, he met the love of his life Ann Marie Hurrell. They married 3 dates later in Monroe, MI on August 29.

Ann and Jean moved to Suffolk, VA, where Jean worked for the Virginia State Police, Chesapeake Sheriff Department, and later at Frederick Military Academy. In 1984 they moved to Ahoskie, NC where Jean chaired the Criminal Justice Department at Roanoke-Chowan Community College until his retirement to the shores of the Chowan River. He converted to Catholicism slowly over decades of attending mass with his wife, a devout woman. Football was his greatest devotion with hours spent at both his sons’ middle school, junior varsity, varsity, and college football games and practices.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Christopher Newport University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Nova University. For 10 years consecutively his students listed him in the Who’s Who Among College and University Professors.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Ann Marie Therese Hurrell Drake, his parents, and both brothers John Carroll Drake, Jr. and Frank Drake.  Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you”—a quote that stayed with Jean for the rest of his life after a near-death experience in 1982.

Jean is survived by his two sons Jason Chad Drake (Jessica) of Suffolk, VA and John “Beau” Drake (Miranda) of Middlesex, NC and 11 grandchildren Lainey, Jack, Joshua, Justice, Duke, Jane Claire, Julian, John, Chip, Cadence, and one on the way.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 23 at 12 noon at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Ahoskie, NC with Reverend Robert L. Schmid officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ann Drake Teaching Scholarship Fund at Chowan University, One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by clicking here.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Drake family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.

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Mark Byrum
8 months ago

Mr.Drake was a fine man and teacher in my graduation class of 1991. He was a friend mentor and inspiration. I didn’t realize he had passed. Beau I’m sorry for you and Chad’s loss. I enjoyed taking firearms training with you and Mr. Drake. In the summer of 1991. Mr. Drake changed my life.

Don Councill
2 years ago

Sorry to hear about Jean, we were best friends in school, Use to get his dads truck and ride around Suffolk “Duck in a Truck” . I went off to the Air Force in 1963, purchased Jean’s 57 Chevy Convertible from him in 1965 . We talked a few times over the years, but lost touch with him. He was a great guy, sorry to hear he passed. My Condolences to family.

Beatriz Vaughn
2 years ago

Dear Chad & Beau, I am a long time friend of your Father. I unfortunately just found out about his passing. I was blessed to have known such a wonderful and brave man. Our conversations were always full of laughter and how proud he was of the both of you. He will be missed terribly. My condolences to all. Betty Vaughn

Roger Owens
2 years ago

BEAU AND CHAD,
I saw your Dad had left us. He was always a kind and nice man to me. I remember seeing him at football games and working around outside in your family’s yard. He always had a smile and hello for me. Telling me about the Marines. I did not go to the Marines (Army) but I did take his patriotism and love of country and made it a part of my own. Reading about his conversion to Christianity made me smile and know that he had a full life. Pride in his family and faith in his God. I am sorry for your loss and your families are in our prayers.

Claude Odom
2 years ago

Chad and Beau, your dad and I worked together at RCCC. In recent years we saw one another occasionally, promising that we would find time to see each other more frequently. Then Coved changed so many things. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family and you at this sorrowful time. May you know that your dad is now at peace. He loved you dearly. He is greatly missed by all of us who knew Him. My wife and I will miss hearing from him about the new grand baby.
You know that is what grandparents talk about. Stay encouraged. Holding on to the memories.

Ruth Ann Comer
2 years ago

Jean is the dear father in law to my niece Jessica. I remember him participating in many fish fries at Jessica’s mom’s home in Suffolk. My condolences to Chad and Beau who dearly love their father. He will be greatly missed.

Curtis Chamblee
2 years ago

Chad and Beau, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will never forget your Dad greeting me every Sunday morning going to St. Charles. Take care and reach out if you need anything.

AaronRoscoe
2 years ago

Mr. Drake was a great man! He helped direct slot of students in the right direction! Rest in peace Mr. Drake

Leigh, Connie and Carl Henry Piland
2 years ago

Mr. Drake was a mentor and friend to me since graduating from college. He said the words ” Masters Degree” several times when I saw him when I was still able to work. After Mrs. Drake died, he offered to take me to some of my drs appts. When I was trying to get disability on his new Mustang. I loved Mr Drake because he was your Daddy, Beau and Chad. He was a good friend to Mama and Daddy. Mama and Mr Drake were the only parents at Clay and Beau’s football games. Beau, I wish I still had the ability to make you a big bowl of homemade pimento cheese and a super-sized dirt cake to share with all the family. Beau I love you and miss you little brother. Our prayers and thoughts are with y’all and I will be there in instead foe anything you may need. Please contact us at 252-319-1243. Beau Drake I better hear from you . Love ya! Ma2

Donna and Jim Steele
2 years ago

We were so sad to read of your dads passing which lead to a 30 minutes of going down memory lane which started at the catholic church, conversations with your mom at the elementary school , running into your dad to talk about you boys and Chicago bears and our Steelers. My heart is broken for you’ll and his grandchildren. Iove you guys Donna and Jim Steele 252 332 4549
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