Florence, SC

James Matthew Drayton known as "Jimmy" to his family and friends, died December 29, 2022, at McLeod Hospital in Florence. He was 81 years old. Jimmy was born on January 7,1941.  To Matthew and Ronelle Drayton in Georgetown, SC. He graduated from Winyah High School and Florence Darlington Technical College. Jimmy was a general mechanic at Smurfit Stone Paper Mill for over 40 years. Jimmy also served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years (4 non active and 2 active) he had 2 Mediterranean tours and was in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Jimmy was a true patriot. He loved God, his country, and his family. Jimmy and Johnette Carter Drayton were married on August 2, 1964, at Center Baptist Church. They were blessed to have over 58 years of marriage together. Family was the most important part of his life. Jimmy and Johnette were blessed with a son James Ashley Drayton (Laura), daughter Jami Drayton Grice (Bobby) and an unborn angel Allison Noel Drayton. Jimmy was a giant among men. He was so gifted with his hands. He loved working with wood, welding and everything that included creating something with his hands. All the projects which were many over the years, that Johnette asked him to do, he did them with his love for her. Jimmy's work ethics were unsurpassed. He was patient, wanting his work to be perfect down to one thirty-second of an inch.