On Thursday, March 30, 2023, James Blair Draper, Sr. 78, of Fifth St., Martinsville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life at his residence. He was born in Virginia on December 31, 1944, the son of the late James Alexander Draper, and the late Sadie Pullen Draper.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by one grandchild, Quintin Watkins: one sister, Geraldine Paige, and one brother, James E. Hairston.
James was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, a member of the Choir, and a member of the Usher Board. He retired from Fieldcrest Mills after many years of service. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam war, receiving the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was a member of the American Legion Homer Dillard Post 78. James was a member of the Kuwat #126. He was a graduate of Albert Harris High School class of 1963.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ida Hairston Draper of the home; two sons, James Blair Draper, Jr., and Jason D. Draper both of Martinsville, VA; two daughters, Robin Hairston of Collinsville, VA, and Pamela Martin Rudolph of Mays Landing, NJ; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; best friend, Floyd Gravely of Martinsville, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A visitation service will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville with Pastor Kelvin Perry, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 1310 Carver Rd., Martinsville. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will be receiving friends at the home, 602 Fifth St., Martinsville, between the hours of 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.
Send flowers to the service of James Blair Draper
Joyce N Shaw planted 5 trees in memory of James Blair Draper . - April 04, 2023
I am so sorry about your loss. Norma Mills
To Ida and family. I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Blair's passing. He was a classmate, a good friend and was a genuinely nice person. He was a real treasure.
Kermit Hairston Atlanta, GA.
Peace be with you. --- Imogene and Isadore Draper
My deepest condolences to the entire Draper family. Blair was a kind and gentle sprit. Always presented himself friendly. Going to miss my buddy. Barbara Jamison
My deepest condolences to my family. Keyshawn Hairston.
A Wonderful Classmate,Friend & Neighbor that will truly be missed.Veronica A. Robertson Dancy.
We are sorry to hear of your Loss, May God's Peace Surround and Comfort you in your Season of Grief. The Life Society, Hazel W. Spencer, President
it was always a pleasure to talk to Blair whenever i was on my mother's porch; he would most times stop to spend a few minutes and share some memories. i did get a chance to wave at him on his walk on my last visit. i will certainly miss him driving by and throwing his hand up. a real gentleman and such a beautiful spirit.brother Blair, you will be greatly missed.rest in power my dear brother! much love to the Draper family, dianne clark lee and the entire clark family.
A Classmate,a Friend a Neighbor.We all Loved you & will miss you so much. Your family will be in my prayers.Rest in Peace in the Masters Arms.
Blessing to the family. Blair and I were classmates and spent lots of good times together. Posey R. Young
Saddened to hear of Blair's passing. He was such a great guy and classmate. My prayers and condolences to his family. Rosemary Belcher Wright, class of 1963
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." ...Matthew 5:4
Betty Draper Day Charlotte, NC Class of 1963
Love you forever from Desiree. Stay strong families...
It is with a very sad heart to have to say goodbye to a dear classmate, friend, and church member! When reflecting back on our days of growing up at Grace Presbyterian Church, Blair and I accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior along with some of our friends on Easter Sunrise Service and was baptized by Rev. Robert Foster! Rest in peace my dear friend! I'll always remember your smile and friendship! Betty Draper Day Class of 1963 Charlotte, NC
To my cousin Blair. You were always so kind and always had and encouraging word to say. You were so lovable. Always made me smile. I look forward to Jehovahs promise of death being no more. Revelation 21:4 and looking forward to the promise of the resurrection by mean ls of Jesus Christ. Acts 24:15. Forever loved. Stay strong family. I love all of you...To the Draper,The Flood, The Hairston, The Corbett,The Hunt, The Page Families..
Deepest sympathy to Ida and family. James Edwards Carver class of 1967
When I received the news of Blair's passing, I was so saddened. I reflected back during our times at Albert Harris School. Rest in peace my friend. Patricia Gravely Dowdy Charlotte, NC Class of 1963
We the West end neighbors are in prayer for your family. We will really miss Blair. He meant a lot to us. Rest on our friend.π
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Leth & Marian Hairston
Ida and the entire Draper family it is with a heavy heart to have to say goodbye to my classmate. Blair was a friend and I will always cherish his memory. We all know that the sun will shine after while. Willie Mae Harris, class of 1963 and Peter Harris
Missing you Cuz. Love, Wyliette. Family Stay Strongβ£οΈ
My condolences to Ida and the family Charlene
My sincere condolences to Ida and the family.
Sympathy and condolences to Ida and the family. May you find comfort in your memories.ππΌ
Maurice & Lucinda Gravely
Blair was a great guy. I will miss him ! Rest in Peace Blair. ππΎ Ronald Jones
So sorry to hear about Blair. May He Rest In Peace. I will miss talking with him. ππΎ
My condolences to Ida and her family. May God strengthen you during this time. Love and Prayers, Lois Kirby!!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.