"Rosalie, so sorry to hear about Jim. I just called home for my messages yesterday and got Phyllis's call so we are a little late with this. I am sure it is awful after 55 years but we know Jim is resting now and not in pain. We will miss hime. How are you doing? I just found your cell phone # so will call on that when I get back to the RV. We are in South Texas, will be here another 7 or 8 weeks. Our sympathy to all your family. Love Estel & Deanna"
In loving memory of
James Downing
January 21, 2012
James Lewis Downing, son of Loren I. and Harryette I. (Baird) Downing, was born on January 9, 1938 in rural Casey, Iowa. He entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 21, 2012 due to complications of congestive heart failure at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha with his family at his side.
Growing up in rural Casey, Jim attended the Casey Community Schools, graduating from Casey High School with the Class of 1956.
On June 10, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rosalie Ann Alff, daughter of Lawrence and Violet Alff. To this union were born four children, Kelly, Ginger, Matthew and Sherrill.
In 1961, the family moved to Shenandoah where Jim worked in construction and as a truck driver for the Post Office Star Route. In addition, he worked for Wesley Johnson at Johnson Welding. He purchased the business from Mr. Johnson in 1972, operating it as Downing Welding. In 1988, he opened Steel Fabrication Company, operating both businesses until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement, Jim enjoyed working in his shop, mowing with his Cub Cadet and was an avid reader.
A long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, Jim held many offices within the church. He was also a longtime member of the Shenandoah Optimist Club, where he spent many hours working with the youth of the Shenandoah community. He was a two-time Past President of the Iowa Blacksmith and Weldors Association and was also active in the National Blacksmiths and Weldors Association. Jim served as Regional Representative for southwest Iowa with the organization, Youth For Understanding, placing students from other countries in homes throughout southwest Iowa for the school year. His family hosted two international exchange students.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents; mother and father-in-law; step mother, Mildred Fox Downing; step mother-in-law, Freda Lund Alff; and dear family friend, the Reverend Don Mann. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 plus years, Rosalie Downing of Shenandoah; four children, Kelly Downing and wife Dee Ann of Wahoo, NE, Ginger Downing and husband Jack Noble of Edina, MN, Matthew Downing of Shenandoah and Sherrill Ehlen and husband Jim of Miami, FL; four grandchildren, Doug Downing (Kim) of Yigo, Guam, Blair Noble of Edina, MN and Emily and William Ehlen of Miami, FL; three great granddaughters, Cheyenne and Gabriel Haney and Christin Downing of Guam. Other survivors include his sister, Mary Fredrickson and husband Norman of Omaha; brother, Robert Downing and his wife Ginger of Green Valley, AZ; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wendell and Darlene Alff of Sacramento, CA, and Bill and Shirley Kenny of Omaha; dear family friend, Nancy Mann of Ft. Dodge, IA; many cousins, nieces and nephews; many friends; and recent 4-legged companion, Pudge.
A memorial is being established in Jim's name.
Tributes
"I always thought of Uncle Jim as a gentle giant when I was a kid & will always remember the sparkle in his eyes when he laughed!"
"Dear Rosalie, I am very saddened to learn of Jim's death. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Sorry we didn't live closer these past few years. With love, Bud"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Rosalie, at this most difficult time. May time heal your sorrow and good memories sustain you all in the days and weeks to come."
"I am very sorry for your loss. Jim was a great person and a man I looked to as my second father. I will never forget the first time I met him. Sherrill and I were leaving the swimming pool and Jim picked us up to take us home. I got into the back of the car and said, "Home...James." Sherrill started laughing. I didn't know that was his name and I about died of embarrassment. He just laughed. I wish I could have come home, but know that I am with you and grieving. God Bless you. Kristin (Holland) Weaver"
"Kelly, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time."
"Dear Downing Family, My prayers and thoughts are with you in spirit. I am beyond sorry that I can't be there to celebrate Jim's life with you! I will continue to pray for you all for strength and healing in the days and months to come. May God be with you at this very difficult time. Will all our prayers and love!!!! Jill, Bill, Katie, Drew, Ally and Rita Jenkins"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a fine community man he was."
"Susan and I wish our deepest condolances at Jim's death. I was just getting to know Jim. We wish all of the family the best. Dennis A. Nance"
"Sorry for your loss, Shenandoah has lost a good person and businessman. Beverly and I will not be able to make it to the services, but you are in our thoughts and prayers. It was a privilege to know and work with Jim in Optimist club."
"Dear Rosalie and family, We are thinking of you at this time of Jim's death. You and all of Jim's loved ones are in our prayers. Sincerely, Judy and Ralph Braymen and family"
"Rosalie, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of you, and I know your faith will see you through this difficult time. God will continue to hold you close. I will keep you in my prayers. Warmest regards to you and your family. Sarah Sharp"
"Rosalie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Carole Brown"
"Dear Downing Family, Shenandoah and the world have lost one of the great people who have the ability to plan/build/repair what others cannot! Jim has been a friend and supporter of our family for a long time. His personal and spiritual influence on the lives of those who took the time to look beyond the surface continues on. Larrie"
"Rosalie, Kelly , Doug. and Ginger ,Matt and Sheryl, So sorry for your loss. I am praying for Gods loving arms to embrace you ALL at this time. I remember how much help Jim was to us getting the blacksmith stuff READY FOR OUR FARM SALE. HE REALLY DIDN'T FEEL LIKE IT BUT HE HUNG IN THERE and got it organized for us. He was a" GOOD MAN". MOST SINCERELY , Ethel Isaacson Gentes"
"So sorry, Rosalie, to hear of Jim's passing. God Bless you and your family."
"Rosalie and family, My sincere sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. May the love of God continue to wrap His arms around you. Sherry Hambsch"
"Our prayers are with you and your family Rosalie. "