James Drew, known to many as "Jim Drew", was born in Haskell, Oklahoma on October 30, 1934 to George Drew and Lullu Lee Jones Drew. He was one of 14 children.

He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Haskell, Oklahoma. After graduation, he attended Tuskegee University for a short while before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After being discharged from the Army, he stayed in California. He then enrolled in Ventura Junior College for the stone mason program. After graduation, he went to work around California building homes and other construction projects. After working and spending time between Ventura and Los Angeles, he moved back to Oklahoma. He then continued to work and build homes around the state that you can still see today. Jim was well known as he did all of his work in a spirit of excellence.

Jim was a man that could start up a conversation with whoever he met. Many knew that he would bring up a story about his "wife's boyfriend" and have many other jokes to tell. He loved to eat good food (especially beans) and was in his happy place with a good strong cup of coffee with just a little bit of sugar and reading the newspaper. He kept up on the news and sports. He also enjoyed fishing and finding things that most people thought had no value and repurposing it. If he had a vision for something, he wouldn't stop until it was completed. Jim was a strong, intelligent, and determined man that loved life and was content no matter the circumstance.

On April 7, 2020 Jim went on to be with the Lord. At his passing, he was the oldest living relative in his family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and his daughter Sherri Drew. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: His wife and longtime love, Richelle Hall, sons James Drew Jr. and Scotty Drew, and daughters Chrishelle Drew and Dovie Drew. He also leaves grandchildren including Katona Drew (Sherri) and Shawn Drew (Sherri) and great grandchildren including Reneice L. Drew and Shawn A. Drew. He had many cousins, nieces, and nephews including Jonathan Drew that visited him often, and friends.

A memorial ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc.