James E. Draves

James E. Draves, 78, of Montgomery, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011 at his home. He was born December 1, 1932 in Racine, Wisconsin. During his nearly 79 years he has seen and done a lot. After the death of both his parents at a young age, Jim was sent along with four of his siblings to live at Moosehart. At 17, Jim entered military service in the Air Force. He served four years both stateside and overseas during the Korean War. After the war, Jim retuned to Aurora and worked at Lyon Metal. It was around this time that Jim met his soon-to-be bride Marialyce Mills. They were married on May 5, 1956. Jim later worked at Richards Wilcox for 35 years until his retirement in 1995. After retiring, Jim pursued part-time work at a variety of jobs, as well as volunteer work as a member of the Knights of Columbus and for the FBI, for which he was recognized for his tireless efforts and hard work. Jim also loved to pass his time cooking and baking, and has treated many over the years to his delectable creations. His culinary talents and tasty dishes will be sorely missed. Jim was active in the Boy Scouts for over 50 years. He served as an assistant scoutmaster for Our Lady of Good Counsel Troop 27 in Aurora. He was a Virgil member of the BSA Order of the Arrow and was honored for his tireless efforts in scouting with the Silver Beaver award. He was presented the St. George Religious Award by the Rockford Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, honoring his outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth programs in the Boy Scouts. In addition, Jim was honored with the Charles Pierce Burton Award for his services to Kedeka District, Two Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Jim enjoyed sports and participated in such team sports as bowling, softball and basketball. He was also President of the Aurora Area Girls Softball League and coached the Aurora National Bank’s sirl’s softball team in the 1960’s and into the early 1970’s. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Marialyce; his son, Kevin of Seattle, WA; his daughter, Kim (Kevin) Frieders of Aurora; two grandchildren, Lauren and Grant Frieders; his sister, Joan (James Brice of Los Angeles, CA; his brother, Chuck (Nicky) Draves of North Aurora; brothers-in-law, James (Eileen) Mills of Rock Falls, IL and Richard Mills of Seattle, WA; several nieces and nephews and many friends. A special thanks is extended to close friends Lee and Elmer Weber of Montgomery, IL and their family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Lydia Draves; his brothers, Bud, Tim, Arthur and Lyle; and sisters, Louise and Elaine. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 17, 2011 from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 9:30 AM to St. Peter Church at 10:00 AM. Fr. Antoni Kretowicz will officiate with entombment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with a Liturgical Wake Service at 6:00 PM, at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500. Please visit our new interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com.

James E. Draves

December 1, 1932 - November 12, 2011