Jimmy Joe Drain, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on September 27, 1942, in Asbury, Alabama, to Reverend C.L. Drain and Ima Dell Drain, Jim was an only child surrounded by a large extended family of cousins, who became lifelong friends.
A proud graduate of Albertville High School, Jim was a star on the basketball court, leading his team to the state finals in 1960. During those high school years, he met his first love, Anne Evans. Together, they attended Snead State Junior College, where Jim continued to excel in basketball, forming bonds with teammates that he held close throughout his life. After completing his studies at LaGrange College in Georgia, where he continued to play basketball, Jim and Anne married and embarked on a journey together, building several successful businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, and raising two children, Susan and Dee.
Jim and Anne eventually returned to Albertville, where he founded Gemini Homes, a name inspired by Anne (“Jim and I”). Jim became a true innovator in the manufactured home industry, establishing mobile home manufacturing plants and multiple retail businesses. Throughout his career, Jim quietly helped many individuals facing difficult times, offering support and kindness without seeking recognition. In 2024, he proudly passed his final retail mobile home business to his daughter Susan and her partners, entrusting them to carry forward his legacy.
In 1998, Jim experienced a great loss with Anne’s passing due to cancer. The following year, he found companionship and love again with Brenda Brannon, also a widow. Together, they built a joyful life, enjoying Auburn University football and basketball, attending two national championship football games and a Final Four in basketball. They traveled frequently, especially savoring fall foliage trips along the East Coast. A lifelong fisherman, Jim cherished his time on Guntersville Lake and the home he built in the South Sauty community.
Jim and Brenda also took on the loving responsibility of raising his granddaughter, CarolAnne Walker. He was incredibly proud of her accomplishments, especially as she followed in his footsteps on the basketball court, going to the state championship twice in high school. CarolAnne’s success in his favorite sport brought him endless joy and pride.
Jim’s humor, wry smile, and unassuming kindness touched everyone he met. He treated each person with respect and often extended a helping hand to those in need, all without seeking acknowledgment. He was devoted to Bethany Baptist Church. He was a remarkable businessman and a generous soul, whose warmth and humility will be remembered by all who knew him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved first wife, Anne Evans Drain. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda Drain, who cared for him with love as he faced heart failure in his final days; his daughters, Susan Kennedy (Randy) and Diane “Dee” Walker; his cherished granddaughters, Grace Kennedy (Nathan McCoy) and CarolAnne Walker; Brenda’s children, Jeff Brannon and Melanie Brannon Collier; her grandchildren, Samantha Brannon, Rylei Collier Willingham (Michael), Cody Collier; and her great-grandchildren, Saylor Brannon, Turner and Tobyn Willingham.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethany Baptist Church at 1pm in the afternoon on Saturday November 16th, honoring Jim’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and enduring support to others.
