Dr. James Edward Drake

Dr. James Edward Drake, 69, passed away on July 20, 2016; in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born to Calvin James and Doris Deene Drake (born Flick) on May 20, 1947; in Wichita, Kansas. In his early teens, the family moved to the Tulsa area from Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Drake was a proud Eagle Scout, and a 1965 graduate of Jenks High School, where he played football…and where he and his buddies were often pulled into Mr. Sharp’s office for “mischief”. He attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma; after which he was accepted into dental school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis.

Dr. Drake began practicing dentistry — his life’s calling — in Tulsa in 1973, and continued practicing for the next 40 years. Early in his career, he was a founding member of the Tulsa County Vo-Tech board; and was a pioneer in the field of dental implants in the state of Oklahoma. Doc, as he was often called, was a mentor to many young dentists, hygienists and dental assistants throughout his career.

As a young adult, Jim was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Jenks, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Pairs & Spares Sunday School class, coached softball, helped in the bus ministry, served as a youth leader and was one of the church’s Boy Scout troop leaders.

Although he didn’t attend church throughout his entire life, Dr. Drake never lost his faith; and he connected with the Lord by being a part of His creation in the outdoors. He loved hunting and spending weekends with his hunting buddies, whom he treasured with all his heart; and spending time with his love of 24 years, Renee, in Eagle Nest, New Mexico. He and Renee were married in Bremerton, Washington, on Feb. 22, 1992, after which they returned to Jenks and opened Community Dental Care.

Dr. Drake loved sports, especially football and golf, was an excellent swimmer, played racket ball and even competed in an Ironman Triathlon. He had a sharp mind and sense of humor that never failed, even when his health did. He could complete the daily crossword puzzle in pen while he drank his morning coffee. He won numerous chili cook-offs with his famous “Buzzard-Breath” chili and was a master on the Hasty Bake, his specialties being fajitas and ribs.

He was certainly proud of being a dentist, but he was most proud of his three girls and seven grandkids. The joy that his grandchildren brought him was evident by the sparkle in his eyes every time he saw them or heard about their latest achievements.

In addition to his wife, Renee, Dr. Drake is survived by his daughter Heather Mossauer and her husband Joe of Oklahoma City; daughter Laura Payne and husband Don of Mountain View, Oklahoma; and daughter Cassie Crosthwait and husband Bob of Jenks; seven grandchildren: Emma and Drake Mossauer; Hailey Jo and Wyatt Payne; and Becca, Cole and Eli Crosthwait; sister Jeanneane Carter and husband Bo of Glenpool, Oklahoma; brother David Drake and wife Marilyn of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sister Donna Catcher and husband Bill, also of Broken Arrow; and many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly and with laughter. He was preceded in death by his loving parents.


The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lab Rescue.net or the National Kidney Foundation Inc., 30 E. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

There will be a Memorial Service on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 11:00AM at Jenks First United Methodist, 415 E. Main Street, Jenks, Oklahoma 74037. Pastor Gary Volz will be officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaudt’s Glenpool Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com