BORN

1949

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home

3827 Canal Street

New Orleans, Louisiana

J Madison Drake Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 5, 2014.

.
J Madison Drake aka Ducky, aka JM, aka James passed unexpectedly on Feb 3rd, 2014 at 4:15pm. Please help Marlane, his wife, memorialize and celebrate his life.
Friends and associates are invited to attend a Catered Visitation at Schoen Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 5:30pm to 9:45pm and on Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 9am to 11am and to attend the Catholic Funeral Mass in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Bus transportation will be provided at 12:30 pm to St Joseph Abbey Cemetery in Covington for interment and viewing beautiful grounds/ cathedral. Plans for fellowship, food and 2nd Line. . Upon return to New Orleans, the Treme Brass Band will meet the bus and 2nd Line to Redemption Restaurant, 3835 Iberville St. (directly behind Schoen 's) for a buffet supper
A Professional Engineer with the Dept of Entergy, a Systems engineer in the Systems/Analysis Division in support of operations and maintenance of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He was an active mentor encouraging and developing less experienced engineers, students and technical staff. Original and continuing member of the nominating committee of the Levee Board. Twenty-seven years of experience as an engineer; nine years of management and program administration; expert in project management in the public sector and continuous improvement and program administration with a reputation for efficiency and interpersonal skills. He received excellent ratings for performance from management in all jobs held.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 1971, and a Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, 1977. He chartered, instructed and facilitated continuous improvement teams that analyzed and improved major processes related to the mission and key business drivers of the SPR and lead the team that wrote the first SPR Project Management Office Application for the Energy Quality Award based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria in April 1996.
An Aerospace Engineer from 1982-1992 overseeing the construction of the External Tank for the Space Shuttle (Tanks ET 2-71), for the Department of Defense, Defense Contract Administration Service (DCAS), NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, LA.
Manned Space Flight Awareness Award, a national award, 1986.
One of the Top Ten Federal Employees, a national award, 1987.
Fellow Member of the NSPE, awarded to the top one per cent who have served locally, state-wide and nationally, April 2010.
Member VA Tech Corps of Cadets, Marching Band, winner of several national awards.
Commissioned Lieutenant U.S. Army June 1971; left as Captain.
Louisiana Engineering Society - Member, Past State President
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics - Senior Member
American Society for Quality - Member, Certified Quality Engineer
Institute of Industrial Engineers - Senior Member
Knights of Columbus, Bienville General Council 314, 4th Degree.
American Society of Safety Engineers - Member, Certified Safety Professional
National Society of Professional Engineers – Fellow Member
Project Management Institute – Member.
Man of Manresa in August for 30 years. An Avid tennis player since high school. A Lector at Tulane University Catholic Center. Former Alto in choir.
A friendly person, he will be remembered for his smile. He is survived by his wife, Marlane; two brothers, Ricky of Indiana & David of Virginia; one sister, Diane of New Jersey; and their families.
Donations to St. Joseph Abbey and College, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457, preferred.
Look for additional information regarding Saturday eve online at www.schoencanalstreet.com where condolences may be expressed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for J Madison Drake

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Not sure what to say?

January 31, 2019

Classmate

Chuck Rowell

It is so hard to believe it has been five years since we lost our Highty-Tighty bandmate. He was a brilliant man and strong saxophone player. Blessings to his family.

January 30, 2019

Marie Hodges

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

January 30, 2019

Coworker

Jim Edwards

JM was an awesome QA co-worker & employee. RIP.

December 12, 2014

Manuel Portocarrero

Dear Marlene,
My most sincere sympathy for the loss of J.M. Drake. He was my mentor while I was preparing to go back to school and also while I was a petroleum engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines. He was a great person and I miss him since I was communicating with him till a month before he was gone. May God bless J.M. and all of you in your family.

Sincerely,

Manuel Portocarrero, Socorro, New Mexico
[email protected]

September 24, 2014

henry letellier

February 17, 2014

Henry Gaffney

Having worked with JM prior to 2000, I remember his conscientiousness in his approach to his work and a project.

Such an occurrence as this, just as he is approaching his retirement, seems stunning and to have robbed him of something for which he worked so hard for so many years, a peaceful independence wherein he would be able to do what he wanted.

But it also robbed his wife, to which my heart goes out, of the same thing, but with him. I know he will look down over and guide her with the same conscientious concern and guide her to peace of mind and happiness until they meet again.

February 7, 2014

Cynthia Sabathier

I have very fond memories of my Resurrection years. I always think of these as the Pilgrimage years not only because of the 2 journeys to Medjugorje and to the Holy Land but because of the inner journey I went on through RCIA, Small Christian Communities and Luke 24 with so many of you. What a great church congregation we were as we grew together. I came to know Marlane and JM then and my path has occasionally crossed with Marlane through the years. On this sad occasion, I send my love, Marlane and hold you tenderly in prayer, although I cannot be physically present with you. My prayers along with the Sisters of St. Joseph here are yours. With affection,

Posted by Cynthia Sabathier

February 7, 2014

Carolyn Clark

Fond memories of James at the Married Couples Retreats. Stay strong, Marlane. Peace be with you.

February 7, 2014

Tracy Drake

We will be there soon to celebrate your life Uncle Ducky. We miss you so very much.

February 7, 2014

Tracy Drake

We will be there soon to celebrate your life Uncle Ducky. We miss you so very much.

February 7, 2014

Marie Hodges

Marlane, So glad we had the privilege of knowing JM. He had a great smile & enjoyed visiting with him. Will be missed

February 6, 2014

Mike Mazzaro

Marlane,

My buddies from the Highty-Tighty Class of 71 have talked eloquently about the bond we all shared with Jay. They are certainly correct on that, and we have many fond memories for sure. But Randy Bacon and I share something a little different with Jay, as we were all Aerospace Engineering majors. I can never forget having a quarter long class around building a “model” airplane that had to fly without an engine. I was probably in way over my head. But somehow, with Jay and Randy's and help, I got that degree and for that I will be forever grateful. So while I will always remember Jay for the fun times we had in the band, I'll also never forget it was he who played such a big role in my getting that Aerospace Engineering degree. Thanks Jay. We will all miss you.


Marlene - please know that you and Jay are in Betty and my thoughts.

February 6, 2014

David Band

I just knew him for his tennis and his always friendly court demeanor. J.M. will be sorely missed. He was an inspiration in friendliness and encouragement and a joy to be on a tennis team with. A real "good guy" who didn't deserve to die young.

February 6, 2014

Bob Myers

I have known and worked with JM(Duck) since 1993. He was a good friend and a very intellectually interesting person, always able to converse on many, many topics. He was very professional in his demeanor and always treated his contemporaries with DRF (dignity, respect and fairness). May God bless JM and Marlane.

February 6, 2014

Chuck Rowell

Dear Marlane,
Brenda and I will always remember Jay's constant smile and great attitude about everything during our years at Virginia Tech. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. You are doing wonderful things in his memory and we will do the same in the coming weeks at VT in his memory.
Love, Chuck Rowell, HT class of 1971

February 6, 2014

Roger and I were saddened to hear of his passing and your loss. i hope we can help. -rose - new orleans

February 6, 2014

Nan Schellhaas

Dear Marlane, I hope to be able to attend one of the services for JM. Just in case I am unable to, please know that you and the family are in my prayers at mass. I met JM when Resurrection of Our Lord had small faith communities and JM hosted one of the meetings. I was soon aware of how faith-filled, kind, and intelligent he was - and the ever-present smile. Soon afterwards, JM met you and you added another dimension to his life. I will never forget your beautiful wedding and reception - especially the part where JM came out in his white tuxedo dancing with you and the other belly dancers! It still brings a smile to my face. If I don't get to see you, let me send you my deepest sympathy now.

February 5, 2014

Dear Marlane, Raleigh & I send our deepest sympathy to you! We certainly
shared some wonderful times together! You are in our thoughts & prayers
Raleigh & Alice Cooper(Hixson, Tn)

February 5, 2014

Janice & John Montelepre, Jr.

Dearest Marlane, we feel so very sad and shocked to hear of James'death. We will definitely pray for you and offer our masses and communions for you that you will receive the graces to be able to handle this terrible loss. James is surely in Heaven and praying for you. I will never forget when James came to visit me (John) in the hospital when I was very ill. It meant a lot to us. James was a wonderul loving person.

February 5, 2014

Bill Bailey

I knew Madison from our Manresa Retreats. I then found out that we both lived in Resurrection Of Our Lord Parish although our paths never crossed there...(1968-1973)
Katrina interrupted my Manresa Retreats (Group 33) from 2005 until 2011, when I began going again with a friend in Group 3.
I often looked in the book record of past retreats for Madison, Ed Litolff and some of the members of Group 33. It appeared that they also stopped going sometime in the early to mid 2000's.
I'm so sorry to hear of Madison's passing. Joan and I will certainly keep Madison and his family in our prayers.

God bless him his family and all those he loved......

Bill Bailey
2429 Cours Carson St.
Mandeville, La 70448
[email protected]

February 5, 2014

Marilyn Yurick-Riedinger

Ducky truly found the good in all he met and he loved even the small things in life as if they were the greatest gifts of all. I love you dearly cousin and I am so thankful we had some special trips to Montana as that will be my memory of you---Sitting in the Big Hole with three cameras around your neck, a goofy hat, and a big smile on your face!

February 5, 2014

Tom Biggs

We were shocked and saddened to hear Jay had left us. The Highty Tighty '71 family has a gap in the ranks we can never fill and never forget. Although the years have raced passed, the comradeship we developed in those years at VA Tech remains strong and we will miss our fallen friend. Best wishes, Marlane, as you go thru these trying times.

Posted by Tom Biggs

February 5, 2014

James Allen

Marlane: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of Jay. We were fellow band members at Va Tech in the Corp of Cadets. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jim Allen

February 5, 2014

Joe Amend

I knew Jay for over 45 years. We were Highty Tighty classmates at Virginia Tech. Never once do I remember seeing him without a smile on his face. He's gone way too soon ... May our Gracious Lord grant him rest from his earthly labors and comfort to those left behind.

February 5, 2014

Rosella Mayeux

Marlane,
Please accept my sincere sympathy regarding the loss of your husand, J.M. Drake. I worked with J.M. at the Department of Energy for many years. He was an outstanding person, and he will be missed.

February 5, 2014

Joe Yates

Jay always exemplified the character, demeanor, ethics, and pride that were instilled in everyone of us that is the outfit known as Band 71. We marched, sweated, cried, but most of all, laughed together. Our hearts beat as one during this sorrowful and also joyous time. We celebrate the man, Jay Drake, and remember his legacy. Once a Highty Tighty, always a Highty Tighty. May God bless you Marlane during this trying time. Love, Joe and Lynne Yates
Salem, Virginia

February 5, 2014

Jim Campbell

As a classmate in the VA Tech Highty Tighties, we share fond memories of Jay's smile and saxophone -- reflecting upon the trials and tribulations we endured as a group together. May Jay Rest in Peace forever.

Posted by Jim Campbell

February 5, 2014

Jim & Reta Edwards

JM Drake was: first of all a long term friend, but also a past work colleague. I first met and hired him at the DOE's Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a Quality Engineer because of his incredible/awesome engineering credentials in the early 90's. He was and is the most dedicated person to the engineering field I have ever met. He also had compassion as he tutored minority high school students. Although being flooded twice in New Orleans East, he took the problems in stride. His passing was a shock as he led an active vibrant life. My prayers will continue for Marlane as I can offer empathy, but can't fully comprehend the grief of loosing a spouse. God bless JM and Marlane.

February 5, 2014

Chris Shipp

May God bless you and be with you. I worked with JM at the SPR. He was a wonderful man--always kind and friendly. He will be missed.

February 5, 2014

Jimmy Salinas

JM was a great friend to the employees at Bryan Mound. He was instrumental in helping us through some tough times was always willing to listen and help. He will be best noted for his effort to improve our pedestrian safety at BM by encouraging us to improve our "paver" walk way outside the site. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. God Bless.

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