Obituary of James Draughon

Shreveport--Jim Draughon was born in Raleigh, NC, on August 30, 1944, and passed away December 11, 2009 at a local hospital. He was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates professional baseball club after graduating from high school in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, but instead of playing baseball he opted to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Jim was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA. When he retired from the Air Force he elected to join the Shreveport Fire Department where he served the people of Shreveport for 33 years and retired as a District Fire Chief. Jim was an Elder and Trustee at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. He was active in Cursillo and loved working with the youth group, coaching youth basketball , directing Camp of the Pines Water Sports Camp and volunteering at the church. He also enjoyed volunteering often at the Glen Retirement Village where his wife is employed. At the Glen, he took great pleasure in dressing as ?Santa Clause? and handing out gifts to children. He was an avid golfer, officiated football games and in earlier years a great slow pitch softball player. He enjoyed trips to the beach where he spent time with his family. Every Saturday morning, you could find Sandy and Jim having breakfast at Strawns in Shreveport. Jim was best known for his willingness to serve others. His wit and humor were never in short supply. He was a man that loved living, and loved people with all his heart and soul. Jim?s survivors include his wife Sandy Draughon, his son Chris Allums, daughter in law Ellen Allums and grandchildren James Christopher, Jon Thomas, and Caroline, his daughter Kathy Allums and granddaughter Wimberly, and his brother Jerry Draughon. His extended family includes his brother in law Chuck Hall, sister in law Becky Frazier Hall and their children Ben, Frazier, Thomas and Avery Hall. He was also survived by Aunt Alene Rhodes of North Carolina and many cousins who he loved dearly. A memorial service will be held at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 1915 Grover Place, Shreveport, LA on Monday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. To all of Jim?s many friends, please come join his family in his remembrance. There will be a reception following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make donations to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church Children?s Building Fund or James Christopher Allums Medical Fund. ?I have called you by name-you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you.? Isaiah 42:1-3