HUDSON FALLS – On Thursday, February 9, 2017, James D. Hewitt (better known as Drake to his friends and family) slipped the surly bonds of earth to meet his Lord. He was surrounded by his loving family and died peacefully and without pain at Glens Falls Hospital. He was 83 years old.
Drake was born the youngest of nine children in Whitehall, on June 18, 1933. He graduated in 1950 from Whitehall Central School, entered the Air Force in 1952 and served as a radio operator in Japan. He finished his tour in Mississippi, where he was honorably discharged in April of 1956.
When Drake was discharged from the service, he started college in Castleton, Vt., before transferring to UVM in Burlington, VT, and going on to Geneseo State University of New York. He went on to acquire his master’s degree in elementary education at SUNY Albany.
After finishing his education, he began his teaching career at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Drake went on to teach in Batavia for three years before returning home to teach in the Hudson Falls Central School District, primarily at Margaret Murphy Elementary, for 28 years.
He was one of those lucky people who got up every day to go to a job that he loved. Drake took early retirement at 55 because of medical issues and a few years later, became a medi-ride driver for Glens Falls Hospital, a job that he enjoyed for 15 years.
Drake will always be loved and remembered by his entire family, the people he loved and thousands of past students. One of his biggest enjoyments was talking to people at the Hannaford grocery store in Hudson Falls and sharing recipes with them. Grocery shopping was a social outing for him, and he would be gone for several hours, even if there were only a few items on the grocery list.
Drake’s parents, five brothers, an infant and also Donald, John, Robert and Thomas; two sisters, Marena McLaughlin and Hope Fleury; and a niece, Heidi Biddlescomb, all predeceased him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sandy; his son, Drake; his daughter, Karen Sharpe and her companion, Todd Mead; his daughter, Kristy Hewitt, who resides in the State of Washington; his sister, Daune Martell, who is a patient at Fort Hudson Nursing Home; and a very special nephew, Sean (Ruth) McLaughlin. Drake has seven grandchildren, Brooke (Anson) Wood, Andrea Hewitt, Joseph, Zachary and Jordyn Sharpe, and TJ and Alex Rutter; and too many nieces and nephews to name.
Friends may call on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Catholic Church on the park in Hudson Falls.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Dear Sandy, DJ, Kristy and Karen – It is with sadness we learn of the passing of your beloved husband and father. It was our pleasure to have known Drake and we fondly remember those memories of the fun times we shared together.
Although we are unable to be with you, our thoughts and prayers are nonetheless still with you all at this difficult time. May the happy memories of your loved one be a source of strength and comfort to each of you. With love, Sue and Roy Cottrell
Dear Mrs. Hewitt and family,
We were so saddened to hear of “Mr.” Drakes passing. He was such a wonderful neighbor whose smile was such a welcome sight every day. He was always so kind to our son Micah as well. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Mike, Lauren and Micah Wilson.
Dearest Sandy,
My heart is aching tonight after reading that our Drake is gone. I loved him dearly. He was very special to me. I want you to know how bad Leo and I feel as we send our sincerest condolences to you and the kids.
We are in Boston for Leo’s medical check up all week or I would be there. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you this week and beyond.
Diana and Leo
Dear Sandy -Just read your husband’s obit & wanted to send my sympathy. I remember working with you & the fun time we shared at Phone Col working for Bob. Janet still lives in Queensbury & we visit her most every summer. John & I live in Savannah Ga. I knew it was your husband because I remember his first teaching was working at Prison. Brenda
Sandy, DJ, Karen and Kristy and grandchildren as well- I just want to extend my prayers on here as well for you all. It’s not easy losing someone we love as you all know but, when that person is Drake; it makes it even harder. I am forever thankful that Drake was a large part of my life and that will go on forever. His words of wisdom, his funny jokes and sense of humor, his support through our hard times and the love he showed his family and dedication to his kids and grandkids, will always be remembered. He surely leaves a legacy behind with hundreds of students who have spoken of him and remember him throughout the years, and an amazing family especially. Once again, I am just so thankful I can say I count him as family and you too, Sandy, all of you really. May God give all the strength you need to get through each day until you meet again. May the memories help comfort you and may he still somehow give you those words of words of advice to help you through the pain. I love you all and God bless. Here for anything you need. ~ Love always, Jenny and Christopher too. xoxo. ( RIP Drake…love you).
One of my favorite teachers! Great memories, and thankful I had the privilege of being in his classroom.