My sincere condolences. From reading your blog, I feel like I’ve gotten to know him, if even in a small way. I know he will be deeply missed.

I am so very sorry.

So sorry for your loss.

Jim was truley a magnificent person. I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the privilege of knowing him,. Amanda and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss him greatly, especially that beaming, infectous smile and his endless supply of Labatt’s. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Aaron, I was saddened to see your post on InstaG and simply wanted to drop a note to share my condolences.
Sharing how you felt fortunate to have such him in your life was all too familiar as I lost my dad all too early and miss him daily.
Be good A.
PK

aaron,
i am soooo sad to hear this news about your wonderful father. what a terrible loss. i had a lovely talk with him saturday night… what a guy, so kInd a sweet and he loved you SOOOO MUCH. I cannot even begin to express my sadness. I am so very sorry for your losing such a GREAT DAD… Always remember the GOOD TIMES and how HUGELY proud he was of you. Condolances to your wonderful mother. Sending love and all good thoughts. You are lucky to have had him as your father. Your friend, Eric

sorry for your loss man.

Aaron, may your amazing Father rest in peace.

Although I’ve only known your Dad through your blog, this news has brought my pain and sadness.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace Brother.

I am sorry for your loss.

Just saw you in MPLS and was so impressed and energized. I left thinking, wow, his parents must be so proud. Your dad done good! So sorry to hear about his passing. Thinking of you and your family, sending peaceful vibes to you all.

I’m sorry for your loss

The guy behind the guy.

Thanks for sharing stories of your old man across the interweb all these years; I enjoyed every one of them. You are clearly a proud son to an equally proud dad.

Condolences.

If this doesn’t show his personality and his love for people I don’t know what would. Your dad is known for playing Santa and being “The tool guy”, but for us he is known as Jim. He has been such a huge asset to our community and the surrounding area. We are so sorry for your loss. We were hoping to see him when he got back to hear of his time spent with you and your family. My husband saw your dad every Wednesday that your dad was able to come into the shop. He is going to miss those days!! He was like an extended family member to our family, and will be greatly missed. A lot of people loved your dad and will miss his smiles, and his humor. We are so sorry for your families loss.

Aaron,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was a wonderful man and we greatly enjoyed the times we spent with him and your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim and Mary

What?!?! Just saw you and your family at HHH 2013. Your emotional presentation was truly inspiring. The passion and care you expressed for the design profession AS WELL AS your family (including Gary) had me nearly in tears. Now this. Wow. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Very sorry and sad to see this. I know that he was important to you in your life.

My condolences draplin. Calling him an amazing human would be an understatement.

I just found your site yesterday, read your “About Us” section and bookmarked it to come back and check out. I came back today and saw this — I’m so sorry!

I just found your site yesterday, read your “About Us” section and bookmarked it to come back and check out. I came back today and saw this — I’m so sorry!

I had the pleasure of chatting with your dad for a few minutes after your talk on Saturday night at the AIGA Design Conference. He was so proud to be there and so proud of you. (Not many parents get to hear their kid tell 1,800 strangers how much he loves them. What a lucky guy.) He knew he had raised a fantastic son, though he was very quick to give your mom all the credit (“That’s 100% my wife!”). He said it blew his mind to think that you’re turning 40 this week; he remembered distinctly what it was like to hold you as a little baby in his arms. He was so lovely in the few minutes I got to speak with him; it was one of the most memorable and joy-filled conversations I had at the conference. And at the end of our conversation, he mentioned he had been Traverse City’s official Santa for 36 years. That fact just makes him off-the-charts awesome.

Thank you so much for sharing him with us.

Warmly,
Katie Baker
Director of chapter development
AIGA

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

aaron-
i was at the AIGA HHH conference and saw your amazing, inspiring presentation. your work was incredible, but i was so touched by the love and care you publicly expressed for your parents and wasso intrigued by your dad’s spirit-it came through in you, in your incredible work, and your presentation. so glad he was there to see it. i don’t know you at all, but i lost my dad at 92 a year ago - also a real midwestern (iowa) character - and i can share the pain of this. please take care. i have no doubt you will carry him in your heart forever. (gary too (lost my otis at 14 in feb., so i felt that too. ) you’re a wonderful soul and your dad made that…

Dude, really? I’m so sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear the news. I was at the conference this past weekend and met your Dad after your presentation. We had a great conversation and talked about made/found objects, birdhouses, squirrell-proofing, making stuff, Gil, Gil’s fish painting, South Carolina, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and your Mom. I could tell how proud he was of you and your accomplishments. Stay strong.

- Ryon
South Carolina

Hope your having a good time up in heaven Jim!!!
Miss you so much bud!! #tearytimes

Very sorry for your loss, all my respects, from a fellow designer.

Jim called on LexaLite for many, many years. He lit up the place every time he walked thru the door. Us girls in the front office adored everything about him from his charity work as Santa to his love of all things Mickey Mouse. His spirit and smile were infectious - He was a wonderful man that will be very missed.

I love this photo of your dad, Aaron. His eyes radiate his kindness. He was a lovely human being.

So sorry to hear about SANTY CLAWS !
He will be greatly missed. The world is now a way suckier place.

I’m so sorry to hear this. I am grateful that you have shared his spirit with all of us.

Very sorry for your family’s loss. Always loved the stories of him you posted on here. His memory lives on

Your dad was a one in a bazillion! My heart goes out to you, your mom & sisters. Alicia just called & tears are flowing. Your family was a huge part of the best years of my life. May the love of so many friends comfort you & surround you during this sad sorrowful season.

Aaron,
I’m so sorry for your loss. It was sad to hear about your father’s passing. I sat close to your dad during your presentation at the AIGA conference and glad he could share that moment. He was a proud father.
Keith

oh no. Sorry Aaron. wow.

So sorry for your loss man, through all of the years I’ve been following you it’s so clear how much your Dad means to you and the family. No doubt his spirit and personality will live on. Wishing you and the family all the best during a tough time.

Aaron, I don’t know you personally but your talks have been very inspirational to me, and from them I’ve gleaned how close you were to your Dad. I am a student at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI, and heard about the possibility of you coming to speak here only hours before reading this news. Talk about highs and lows… I’m so sorry to hear this. Wishing you the best.

I heard you speak at AIGA National Conference in Minneapolis on Saturday and loved your energy, passion, not just for design but for your family. I was shocked and saddened to see that your father passed away just a day later. I understand he was at the event on Saturday and know he must have been very proud of you. He sounded like a hoot : )

Hi Aaron, my condolences to you and your family. Take care,
Laurie

You made it known on many occasions that this man was your Hero. So sorry. My thoughts are with you.

My sincere condolences, so glad your dad saw you rock the Casbah in Minneapolis last Saturday night. You are inspiring and fun and I know he is proud.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Oi, we just came across this post. Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to you and your family. It’s easy to see from the blog and your daily writing the respect you have for your father and the tight knit nature of your family. Our thoughts are with you.

Thoughts and prayers to your family. We will miss ‘Santa’. I always enjoyed when his humor.
Regards.

im sorry for your loss, im quite sure all your loved ones are giving you support (and viceversa). take care .
keep him in your mind (memories last longer than prayers)

We are saddened to hear that your dad passed away. He was such a mainstay in TC before during and after our time there. Our deepest sympathy to your mom, Sarah, Lea and all your family. Peace and Prayers
Mike and Deb Schmuckal

Aaron,
I’m so very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I know you must be devastated and though I don’t even know you, except that one time we chatted after your talk in LA, I just wanted to say how sorry I am, and I hope you know that I’m sure all the people you’ve met who you’ve had an impact on, and there are many of us, I’m sure we all have nothing but love and compassion for you and your family at this terrible time.
Eric Graves

I’m so sorry, Aaron. Our thoughts are with you and Leigh.

Terribly sorry man. Thoughts are with you.

I am truly going to miss that old bastard!
He was a one of a kind, Genuine, Funny, compassionate and always was quick with a joke.
It was an honor to have known him and the community has lost a great man.

He was something. Every single visit a little different but totally entertaining. A peach.

Hello Aaron & Draplin Family

I would like to pass along my condolences to the whole Draplin family. Although I never had a chance to meet James Patrick Draplin, I did gain an understanding of what a wonderful and loved man he was.

Having met Aaron a few times, James was always apart of the conversation. I was very fortunate to have heard many stories and jokes that either had me laughing or left a big smile on my face.

If I have the pleasure of seeing Aaron again this year at the FITC I will be sure to give you a big hug.

You and your family will all be in my thoughts.

Chris

A great man that will be missed in alot of shops in northern michigan. R.I.P. Jim

Came here to see how I missed your gig in Minneapolis, and saw this instead. My condolences to you and your family. Times like these aren’t easy. Wishing you the best.

Condoleances…

I’m so sorry Aaron. Thoughts, prayers and smiles thinking about you and your Pop. Going to have a Coca-Cola classic from a can en tribute, just need to procure some ice .

A sad day indeed. While I did not know him, he seemed like a great man from everything you’ve posted. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Aaron, I don’t know if giving you my condolences enough. I’ve seen you speak multiple times, met you talked to you on more occasions, but I’ve always taken away your love for your family more than anything. You have the biggest heart the design community has ever seen, and this news clearly resonates throughout the community. I wish you the best through this rough time, but I know you’ll come out on top even stronger and driven than you were before.

Much love,
Nick

Condolences to you and your family. I loved hearing about him through this site, thanks for sharing so much here about your relationship with him - it was clear how much love you both shared. You two seemed as real as it gets, and you guys seemed to share much more than DNA. His “Shitchyah” sticker is in my mancave and I’ll throw a few down in his honor. Peace to you.

So incredibly sorry for your loss. Stay strong, brother.

I almost had the chance to meet him! I met your mom, so I am going to take that! Based on how you talked about him, I am sure I would of been rolling with laughter and tears coming down my cheeks. You just never know! I am really taking a step back and really seeing what my father has told me: When it all comes down to it, Family is all you have at the end! Very True!
Kisar

We all miss you JIM.We all love you .From your Italian son

Aaron - So sorry to hear about your dad. Good thoughts to you and your family. Keep those great memories you have of your dad! One of a kind!

My sincerest condolences to you. You’ve done a wonderful job of celebrating your father’s life while he was still on this earth. I’m certain he was very proud of you.

I feel sorry for you and your family, my condolences

Aaron, I’ve been following you and your work for a good while now. From hearing and seeing your talks out and about, I’m aware of the influence your father had on you. I’ll never know the depths or can I pretend. Just wanted to wish you the best, from a big fan.

Condolences on your loss. I’m sure this hits hard. Stay strong.

Aaron, my sincerest condolences to you, your mother, sisters, and all family and friends who have had the good fortune and pleasure of knowing your father.

I am just one of the hundreds of people who has become a fan via numerous videos of your speaking gigs and of course your body of work, but never had the pleasure of meeting your father or you in person.

The love, respect and admiration that you constantly displayed for your father and your need to share him with the world is a true testament to how great he must have been. The stories you tell and retell about your upbringing…it seems like you were raised in a way that every child should be…and that many of us who wish to be parents hope to emulate.

I hope that over the course of time, in the process of dealing with everything, you find yourself laughing as much as you cry, if not more as memories continue to flood in.

Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. I would say that you were very blessed to have that man around for the past 40 years. Please take good care.

Aaron, my sincerest condolences to you, your mother, sisters, and all family and friends who have had the good fortune and pleasure of knowing your father.

I am just one of the hundreds of people who has become a fan via numerous videos of your speaking gigs and of course your body of work, but never had the pleasure of meeting your father or you in person.

The love, respect and admiration that you constantly displayed for your father and your need to share him with the world is a true testament to how great he must have been. The stories you tell and retell about your upbringing…it seems like you were raised in a way that every child should be…and that many of us who wish to be parents hope to emulate.

I hope that over the course of time, in the process of dealing with everything, you find yourself laughing as much as you cry, if not more as memories continue to flood in.

Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. I would say that you were very blessed to have that man around for the past 40 years. Please take good care.

Aaron, so sorry to hear about your father. I want to thank you for sharing him with all of us. We have come to love his wonderful spirit. My thoughts are with you and your family. Keep on truck’n.

Kevin,
Phoeinx, AZ

Shocked! Aaron I feel your pain, having lost my Mom 6 years ago. It’s the worst thing in the world, and I wish you and your family well through this tough time. Comfort in all that he gave to you, and the person he helped shape. You are his legacy, and it is a good one.

Aaron, I have only met you and your family and friends through the site, but upon seeing this news, I immediately thought that Gary’s no longer alone out there in the Great Beyond. I extend my most sincere condolences.

I just discovered Debbie Millman’s podcasts “Design Matters”, and listened to the wonderful interview with this great guy, and they mentioned this site.
On the positive side, he had created so many great things to remember him by.

Jim

I am deeply sorry for your loss. May your father rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family.

Justin Cantwell

I am deeply sorry for your loss. May your father rest in peace. My condolences to you and your family.

Justin Cantwell

Aaron - My sincerest condolences. It is so evident the love you hold for each other. Both of you - very very fortunate. Take good care at this time.

Hey man.. Your love and friendship with your dad is inspiring to many of us .. thanks for letting us get to know him, and you.

Keep your head up.

Aaron,

I follow your work and check into this site regularly to see what’s new. Your father was a mainstay here and so it was a stunner to see the news posted earlier in the week. I could tell (and admire) how close you two remained. My condolences to you and your family. Sending positive energy your way.

Warmly,
David

My condolences. I feel like I knew him from reading your blog every workday morning. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

S,J
Mpls, MN

Aaron, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I had a chance to hang out with your folks in Minneapolis, and I just wanted to say he was a hellava guy. If there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad 10 years ago and I miss him every day. From the stories you have told it is clear your Dad was amazing person. May he rest in peace.

Its a difficult moment in ones life to lose someone you love. I hope you are surrounded by family and friends to help you through this terrible tragedy. Take care buddy.

Aaron,

I am a hugh admirer of your work, your words, your heart and how you express your love for those closest to you. I am deeply sorry for your loss and shocked! Having seen the post of your family on the 12th and then the next day! My wife Camille has been down that road with her Mom, I hope through design, music, your friends and family, walks in nature and whatever YOU need to do; you are able to grieve and feel the crazy shit you need to while you go through this.

Peace to you and yours Aaron,

Nicholas Yallop

Sorry man, hope you are hanging in there. Glad you guys were close, he seemed like a great guy. Carry on his awesomeness! Praying for ya.

So sorry to hear about this. Words can’t really express it correctly. Glad he got to see you grow up & do well in life. Keep making him proud with your awesomeness.

Rest in Peace Mr Draplin.

Aaron
Sorry to hear the news. It is quite amazing how connected I feel to people whom I have never met. One of your father’s masterpiece projects - was YOU my friend.

My love to your family.

RIP

So sorry for your loss Aaron. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Thinking of you and your crew Aaron.

As it simply says at the bottom of the poster you signed for me, stay strong.

Stunned to hear this news. I only knew your dad through this blog and man did you paint a wonderful picture of the man.

Very sincerely sorry for your loss, Aaron.

So sorry for your Loss Aaron. After having just heard you talking so passionately about your dad here in Dayton during your presentation, my heart breaks to hear you just lost him. I’m encouraged to know that you have such fond memories of him to recall.

I am so sorry for your loss Aaron. I met you for the first time just last Friday at Web Design Day Pittsburgh and I know your dad had to be very proud of you. You certainly left a lasting impression on me. I read through all of the comments here and I can tell your Dad had a great influence on your personality and spirt. May your Dad rest in peace and always remember the good times with him. God’s speed Jim!

So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, enjoyed reading about him. We are never ready for giving them up, but with time , all those wonderful memories will remain forever planted in our lives.
Blessings and. Hugs, Jim and Bev

My condolences. Really said to see this news.

Feeling this with you! much respect! Keep trucking!

A big man, life and loss. My condolences, Aaron.

Holy crap! My condolences man. Having been a fan of your work and your blog for some time, and having met you in Vancouver in 20112 at an event, I have nothing but well wishes to you and your family during this hard time. It’s obvious that he meant a lot to you.

Sincerely, Jesse Woodward.