Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
James Henry
Drumm
Aug 30, 1949 — Sep 6, 2024
James Henry Drumm, 75, passed away on Sept 6, 2024. James was born on Aug 30,1949 to James Murray and Ann Wanda (Luczaj) Drumm. Predeceased by his parents, his brother George R. Drumm, and sister Rosemary (Foulk).
James grew up in Darby/ Collingdale, and served in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He was presented with the purple heart, among other medals.
He was a member of the Vietnam Vets Motorcylcle club, Darby PA. When he was younger he was on bandstand and recorded an album with friends. The band, the Q-Tones, was on the album Philadelphia's Greatest Accapella in 1967.
He had a great singing voice, and singing Happy birthday to his family was the highlight of their year. Although he was a disabled veteran, he did have a handful of jobs over the years including roofing, working as a security guard for Fells Naptha soap factory, the Philadelphia inquirer, Burger King, and the VA hospital.
His home the last several years has been the Philadelphia VA Community Living Center. He was loved dearly by staff and residents. Along with a former roommate, James started the Honor Guard, and proudly served in the Honor Guard up until he was bedbound, right before his passing. The passing of his own father years ago is what motivated him to start the Honor Guard for his fellow brothers and sisters who had served their country, to ensure that they would be treated with the utmost respect upon their passing.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the Hospice staff, Chaplains, Doctors, nurses, aids, and other workers at the CLC for taking such good care of him and being his second family.
James grew up Baptist with a strong faith and love for the Lord. Earlier this year he was fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church.
James was especially proud of his granddaughter, Jessica, for following in his footsteps as a United States Marine.
James is survived by his ex-wife Karen Falance (Charles), his daughter Lori and son-in-law Robert Clark, his grandchildren: Lauren DiPietro (Paul), Alicia, Danielle (Jonathan), Jessica, and William.
As well as his great-grandchildren: Carter, Layla, Madison, and Olivia, and one on the way.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James' funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1035 Turner Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026, on Saturday, October 19th at 10:30 am. Visitation will be from 10-10:30 am in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support the education of James' grandson, William, would be greatly appreciated.
William's 529 Account:
www.ugift529.com
UGift code: P89-64T
____
Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth Street
Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com
Saturday
St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church
10:00 - 10:30 am
Saturday
St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church
Starts at 10:30 am
Visits: 10
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors