On March 8th, 1942 in Choska Bottoms, Wagoner County Oklahoma, James Edward Draper, Sr. was born to Pleasant Draper, Sr. and Myrtle Draper. He grew up as 1 of 9 siblings while spending his formative years in Haskell, Oklahoma. Later, he attended Booker T. Washington High School. Not long after, he met the love of his life, his wife Rowcita Draper, starting a family and staying married for 54 years.

James enjoyed fishing, working on cars, watching westerns, and was a lover of blues music. True to his non-stop work ethic, after retiring from The Big Four Foundry, he built and opened a successful tire shop that he ran for over 10 years.

James Edward Draper, Sr. will be remembered as a strong, hardworking husband and father.

He is preceded in death by his Wife Rowcita Draper, Parents Pleasant Draper, Sr., and Myrtle Draper and 7 siblings, Pleasant Jr., Rufus Sr., John Sr., Ethal May, Stanley, Robert Sr., and Carlene.

James leaves behind 5 children Kathy Davis, Reta Draper, Myrtle Moit, Regina Pittman, husband Michael Pittman, James Draper, Jr. and wife Carolyn Draper, 23 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  Siblings: Geneva Robbins.

A Service of Memory will be conducted, Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. in First Baptist Church, 1401 N. Haskell Blvd. Haskell, OK with interment following in Haskell City cemetery.  Public visitation, Friday, September 3rd in the Precious Memories Chapel of House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee during the hours 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.