Mr. James L. Drown, of Winchester and a former longtime resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2016 at the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester. He was 92 years of age. James was the beloved husband of the late Aferdita (Tseko) Drown. Born in Somerville he was the son of the late Hamilton and Vera (Reid) Drown.
James was raised in Somerville and was member of the Somerville High School graduating class of 1942. James was a standout student athlete in high school and in 1941 he was chosen as a captain of the football team and in that same year was selected as the team’s most valuable player. James was a proud WWII Veteran and honorably served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1952 attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. When James returned to civilian life he began his career as a truck driver and worked for Berman’s Motor Express of Medford for well over 30 years prior to his retirement in 1982. He was a member of the Teamsters Union local 25.
Always keeping busy, James enjoyed doing handy work around his home and even built his own in ground swimming pool, one of the first in the area. James was also a man strong in his faith and enjoyed being a member of Grace Chapel in Lexington where he was a regular attendee of the men's bible study group and he also enjoyed volunteering in many different capacities at the church.
He is survived by his children, Debra Redding of St. Pete, FL, Jamie Strzepek and her husband Kenneth of Lexington, Wayne Drown and his wife Linda of Belgrade, ME. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Brother of Donald Drown of Woburn, the late Ruth Graney, Edward Drown and Edna Rolan.
Family and friends will gather at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Wednesday morning, July 20th, at 8:30 a.m. and process to Woodbrook Cemetery, 100 Salem St., Woburn, for a graveside service at 9 a.m. Family and friends are also invited to attend a memorial service at the Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd., Lexington, at 11 a.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James' memory to Grace Chapel Ministry Offices (Attn: Finance) 3 Militia Drive, Lexington, MA 02421.