James P. (Jim) Drew

James P. (Jim) Drew, longtime resident of Hampton Bays, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on December 22, 2021 at his home with his loving family at his side. He was 80 years old.

Born on March 17, 1941 to Mary (Cleary) and Denis Drew, Jim was the eldest of three children. He was raised in the Inwood section of New York City and attended Good Shepherd School, Power Memorial Academy, and Stony Brook University.

Jim’s first job took him out of New York City to the east end of Long Island, where he worked as a medical lab technician for Southampton Hospital. It was here where he met his wife of 55 years Teresa (Wesnofske), who also worked at the hospital. After his career as a lab technician he was a member of the Southampton Town Council from 1996-1999. Jim was always a dedicated public servant, who was involved in numerous boards and committees. He was an active parishioner at the Church of St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays, where he served as Eucharistic Minister, Lector and a member of the Holy Name Society. In addition to being a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus, Jim also served as board member and supporter of the Dominican Sisters Family Health Services.

Although Jim had many causes close to his heart, his family was the joy of his life. He was a devoted, loving husband and an amazing father to his 10 daughters and 3 sons.  There was rarely a school sporting event, recital or individual milestone that wasn’t graced by his warm smile, loud cheers and welcoming arms.  As his family grew with the addition of 29 grandchildren, he always made time to celebrate in their special moments too. He cherished the many travel adventures he took with his wife, children and grandchildren, creating a lifetime of lasting memories.

Jim leaves behind a legion of friends and family who will miss his generous spirit and sense of humor.  He will forever be remembered as a selfless, compassionate and humble man whose faith, family and friends meant the world to him.   He is survived by his loving wife Teresa of 55 years, his appreciative children; Kevin (Maureen) Drew, Mary (Kevin) Walsh, Ann Marie (Bartosz) Chilicki, Bernadette (Jerry) Buckley, Teresa (John) Venesina; Richard (Krista) Drew, Catherine (Christopher) Sutton, Julia (Nathan) Reese, Maureen 
(Henry) Schwarz, Patricia Lynch, Elizabeth (Brandon) Arnister, Christopher (Amanda) Drew, Colleen (Andrew) Spirito, his adoring sister Julia Barrett, 29 admiring grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by both his parents and brother Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Rosalie’s R.C. Church on December 28, 2021.   Those who had the pleasure of knowing Jim, know he was an advocate for so many causes, particularly individuals without a voice including the unborn and those with special needs. He was also an advocate for Catholic education. In his honor, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Hamptons Catholic School, 160 North Main Street, Southampton, NY; Birthright of Peconic, 99 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY; or The Southampton Fresh Air Home (SFAH) 36 Barkers Island Road, Southampton, NY.