Jimmy Allen Drake

Jimmy Drake, 82, passed away at home. Jimmy was born in Okemah, Oklahoma, to Robert Drake and Gladys Haddox Drake. He married JoAnn Morrison July 29, 1949 in Seminole, Oklahoma. Jimmy attended many elementary schools throughout Oklahoma moving with his family from one oilfield camp to another. He graduated from Seminole High School. Jimmy attended the University of Oklahoma before being drafted into the US Army and served two years in Okinawa during the Korean conflict. Jimmy and JoAnn moved with the oilfield from Duncan, Oklahoma to Russell, Kansas then Hobbs, NM before moving to Farmington in 1959 with Sayers Well Service. Jimmy and JoAnn established Drake Well Service in 1963. A passion for his family, his community, fishing and all animals consumed Jimmy’s life. Jimmy’s love for horses began with donkey Billy Merle. He went on to raise Real Easy Chick, the New Mexico Quarter Horse Stallion of the year in 1982 and 1983. He also raised Dashin n’ Jamin who won the All American Consolation. Jimmy continued the pursuit of breeding to this year with his final foal born March 4, 2011. Jimmy served two terms on the Farmington City Council from 1972�?¯�?¿�?½�?¯�?¿�?½“1980. He served on the State Racing Commission from 1980-1985. San Juan Downs opened in 1985 as a result of his efforts on the Commission. The New Mexico Horseman’s Assn honored Jimmy in 2008 with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Jimmy served as President of the New Mexico Horse Breeders Assn in 1985. He is a life member of the New Mexico Quarter Horse Assn & American Quarter Horse Assn, Elks Lodge 1747, Masonic Organization 32nd Degree and the San Juan Shrine Club and Shriners International. In 2001, Jimmy was recognized by the San Juan Basin Oil & Gas Industry as an individual who contributed to the discovery of commercial natural gas in northwest New Mexico. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Drake, son Greg (Jennifer) Drake, daughter Gayla (Allen) McCulloch, granddaughter Tiffany (Ryan) Rowse, grandsons Drake and Bryce McCulloch, sister Glenda Gay Eaton of Oviedo, FL and several nieces and nephews. His parents, Robert and Gladys Drake, sister Linda Kay Drake and Grandson Kyle Drake, preceded him in death. Graveside service will be at Greenlawn Cemetery Wednesday, March 16, 10:00 am. with Reverend John Preston conducting. Interment to follow services. Pallbearers are Tommy Bolack, Bobby Jackson, Robert Kysar, Bryce McCulloch, Drake McCulloch, Roy Rouse, Ryan Rowse and David Wolfe. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Culpepper, Wayne Dallas, Fred Danley, Bill Hall, Erick Johnson, Ray Kysar, Don Lemaire, John McCulloch, ID Skip Nightengale and Marlo Webb. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St. in Farmington with Reverend John Preston officiating. Memorial gifts instead of flowers may be made to the Regional Animal Shelter Fundraising Campaign, City of Farmington, 901 Fairgrounds Rd, Farmington, NM 87401, c/o Ken Collins. Special thank you for the outstanding care Jimmy received from Dr. Joe Pope, Dr Sean Faherty and staff at Pinon Family Practice, Dr Jeff Neidhart and his entire staff, Dr Robert Thompson, Dr Charles Wilkins, and San Juan Regional Out Patient Nursing staff. This fine group of medical professionals went above and beyond the call of duty. Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688