Norfolk- John Joseph Draffin, 34, died March 2, 2001 in Hope House. He was a member of Kempsville Baptist Church and the Brain Injury Association of Virginia as a result of an accident at the age of nineteen.
He is survived by his parents Virgil and Mary Draffin of Va. Beach, three sisters; Kathy Hughson of NC, Barbara Warren and her husband, James L., of Windsor, VA, and Janie Walters and her husband, Rob, of Mendon, MA., one nephew John Walters, two nieces Jerimie Harrell and her husband, Jamie, and Micki Walters, and one grand-niece Jordan Harrell.
A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Monday, March 5, 2001 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Va. Beach. Rev Dr. Kelly Burris will be officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the church :
Bless your family, and especially you, Mary. God will keep John in His loving hands.
Love, Bettye Sterzing
Dear Cathy and Family,
I was very shocked to see today your brother John
had passed. We are so very sorry, as we know how much
you loved him. I feel I can understand some Cathy, after
losing my sister recently. Just remeber he is looking down
smiling on you daily. Our deepest sympathy and prayers
are with you and your family.
God Bless You All,
Donna and Michael Callahan
I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your
family.
I receive the local section of the VA Pilot from my Uncle in Norfolk, and was shocked to learn of my good friend’s passing. I love John. We met about 6 years ago when I was jogging in Willoughby. It was an instant friendship. John was a funny guy. Now he will remember that I am Don Thompson and not Don Johnson a joke between John and me.
Right after I met John and Mary/Pee Wee Mary and John joined Gwen and me at the Camel for steamed shrimp. I wanted to peel John’s but he had to do everything himself. He’d steady his hands between his knees to be able to peel the shrimp. He went to eat one and missed his mouth. The shrimp went over his shoulder. He was about to get angry and looked at me. I didn’t know what to do sooooo, I looked him right in the eye and threw one over my shoulder and said, “and the big deal is what my friend?” You should have seen the look on his face!!!He laughed so hard I thought he was going to fall out of his seat.
Run free my friend, my beach “brau” what John called us.
Bless you Mary and Pee Wee John thought it soooooo funny that I referred to his father by his nick name. By the way Pee Wee, John loved you very much
Don Thompson
I recently connected with the Brain Injury Support group in Va Beach. I have a son, Andrew who is 16 who has a brain injury from a bad car accident last year. I am so sorry to hear about John’s death even though I don’t know him or your family. I believe I may have met Mary at one of the meetings I attended. I know the heartache of having a brain injured child. Please know that I am thinking of your family at this time and praying for you all.
Nancy Wilcox
I remember John so well he was a real special guy, he was one person who maded the best of everything. Smart sweet and good hearted. WE have missed him over the years and now we will miss him in our heart!! Thinking of you all at this very empty time.. Love to all of you,Steve and Judy
I went to high school with John. I recently saw him in a local store and he looked very good. I was shocked and saddened to see that he had passed away. My thoughts are with his family.
John was a great guy. I will miss seeing him. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Terry Ann
Mary,
I know parents aren’t supposed to outlive their kids, but John was a special kid all around, and he’s in a special place where he’s the little boy you knew 30 years ago – healthy, intact, as though that accident had never happened – and, we hope, very happy with God. The same God who’s going to get you through these rough days. You’ll be happy again! You have friends who care!
Barbara
Saddened by his passing, I have such pleasant memories of John. He was a sweetie and I can still see his very bright, happy smile. I know you will miss him dreadfully.
Sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy!!
John is my brother’s friend.
Rememberence of John, he was always happy
and postive.
Sincerely,
Catherine