James Carl Draper

James Carl Draper, affectionally known as “Sundance, the shade tree mechanic” was born January 8, 1936 in Morgan County, Alabama, to the late Rufus Matthews and Erissie Draper. He departed this life resting on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Millennium Healthcare and Rehab in Huntsville, Alabama.

James worked for several years at Johnson Concrete until he found his passion as an automobile mechanic. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends, whose lives he touched so richly in a charismatic way.

James, in addition to his parents, is preceded in death by two children: Dennis Hampton and Gloria Jean Draper; brother: William Lloyd Harlin; two sisters: Eva Warren and Geraldine Derrick.

James was joined in Holy Matrimony to Frances Ann Mitchell-Draper. Seven children were born to this union: Carolyn Draper-Steele, Johnnie Fletcher, Carl Lee (Darlene) Draper, Diane Draper, James Clay Draper all of Huntsville, Alabama; Janice Wright of Athens, Alabama; additionally Mr. Draper cherished four sons: Rufus Jones, Frederick Fletcher, Jimmy Fletcher, all of Huntsville, Alabama, and Timothy (Shawanda) Fletcher of Tanner, Alabama; step- daughters: Patricia Douglas, Pauline( Chris) Fletcher, and Patricia (Bobby) Moore all of Huntsville, Alabama; two brothers: James Draper of Huntsville, Alabama and  Earl Draper of Chattanooga, Tennessee; sister: Wynette Draper of Huntsville, Alabama; thirty-eight grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.