James Drake, 79, of Martins Ferry, OH died Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 at Heartland-Lansing Nursing Home, Bridgeport, OH. He was born June 9, 1927 in Rush Run, OH a son of the late James and Mable (Birch) Drake. He was a retired construction worker for Mountain State Construction Co. of Wheeling and Charleston, WV. Jim was a member of the First U. Methodist Church, Eagles Aerie #456, and the former V.F.W. Post #3613 all of Martins Ferry. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy of WWII. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Dorothy Drake. Surviving are his wife Betsy L. (Marr) Drake, a son Jim (Georgette) Drake of Martins Ferry, two daughters Sharon Fithen of Martins Ferry and Karen Siburt of Bridgeport, OH, a brother Lester (Billie) Drake of Las Vegas, NV, four grandchildren Jessica Bridges, Erica Siburt, and Michael and Jaron Drake, and a great grandchild Sydney Bridges. Friends will be received Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Van D. Fisher officiating. Burial follows at Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, OH. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.