Jonathan Leon Draper

Jonathan L. Draper “Johnny” or “Jon Boy” of Morrisville passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2023 at the age of 75 years.

He was born May 21, 1948, in Morrisville to the late Albert and Roberta Draper.  From a very early age he fell in love with golf.

He graduated from Peoples Academy in 1967, where he was an avid and accomplished athlete, including being on the golf team.  One year he and brothers Humpy and Doug all played together on the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams!  He then served his country in the Army for four years, including one year in Vietnam.  He later attended Johnson State College for two years.

He was also involved in S&J Draper milk hauling business with his brothers Steve and David and nephew Russell Draper.  He co-owned the JJC Company of Hyde Park with his brother Jamie.  John also worked at Top Notch in Stowe in the Maintenance Dept.   

He was a member of the Copley Country Club for 58 years.  The golf course is where you’d find him in his natural element, his “happy place,” where his talents for the game were widely known.  He was a tenacious competitor as well as a gracious loser.  He was the “winningest” member in Club history, with 15 men’s Club Championships plus one Senior Championship.  He was a legendary member of Copley Country Club.

He especially loved playing with his long-time friends Tad Lamell and Brad Gregory.  He also really enjoyed opportunities to play with his nephew Derek “Deeky” Draper.

He also enjoyed hiking, especially Elmore Mountain, where many memories were made with Amanda Reilly, his partner of 7 years.  He enjoyed biking, going to the gym, and playing tennis with his brother Mark.

Family reunions were always well-attended, and many memories were made, especially of the annual, traditional wiffle ball games.

He was totally honest & spoke his mind yet was still humble.  His advice was always insightful, respectful, & helpful.  He was unfailingly a man of his word.

He was beloved by his daughters, Kelly and Jill, who will be forever thankful for his guidance and his love of them throughout the years.  His strong will, strength, and encouragement were guiding lights that will be deeply missed.

He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Roberta Draper, brother Stephen “Humpy,” nephew Dameon Draper and niece Lynette Phelps.

He is survived by his former wife Alma Nay Draper, his daughters Kelly Draper Bradley and Jill Draper, his former partner Amanda Reilly, his sister Diane (husband Ken “Butch” Phelps) and brothers Jamie (wife Linda), Doug (wife Susan), David (wife Kathy), and Mark Draper.  His grandchildren are Luke and Jade Salvas as well as Sam and Dallas Bradley.  His great-grandchildren are Leonora Salvas (father: Luke) and Wylla Barnard (mother: Jade).  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their children.

A Celebration of Jon Boy’s Life will be held at the Copley Country Club, 441 Copley Country Club Rd, Morrisville on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 12:30 pm.  This will start with a brief gathering and a “salute” at 12:45, then 9 holes of golf starting at 1pm.  This will be followed by an informal mingling and munchies for both golfers & non-golfers at around 3pm.

Donations in John’s name may be made to the Copley Country Club Junior Golf Program, which he supported by mentoring over the years.  For details, please contact Copley Country Club, 802-888-3013. 

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