James Grant Downs
Born in Columbus, Ohio December 8, 1946 to Betty and Dwight Downs. He was the 3rd of 7 children.
He is preceded in death by his parents Betty and Dwight, his son Anthony and brothers Johnny and Donnie.
He is survived by his wife Gail, daughter Natalie, son-in-law Jeremy - sisters, June, Mabel, Tammy and brother Larry, Grandchildren Avery, Maya, Julian and Livy. And also to include Avery’s brothers and sisters who also are considered Grandchildren - Jessica, Harley, Nick, Trevor and Katie. Several nieces and nephews.
He went to school in Columbus, Ohio and attended the National College of Business in Colorado later in life (1977).
He enlisted in the Navy in 1965. There he attended hospital corps school. He became a Navy Corpsman (Medic), X-ray tech amd Navy Diver- in the submarine service, served aboard the USS Grouper. After leaving the Navy with a Honorable discharge, he joined his family who had moved to Colorado in his absence. There he met his future wife Gail at the beauty shop his sister owned at the time. They were married on Feb. 15, 1975.
After moving to Colorado, he went to work for Stearns-Roger Fabricators. He ended up having quite an extensive career with them, through out buyouts of the company. Among some of his titles were - sales, engineer, purchasing agent, subcontract administration and fieled order administrator. He retired from Raytheon ( formerly Stearns-Roger) in 1992. Not ready to give up work yet, he went to work for Parsons Engineering Science as a senior order administrator. After the loss of his son in 1997 he went to work for Tuff Shed in sales for a few years, then to Utiliquest-locating underground utility lines. His last employment was at Cherry Creek State Park as a park ranger.
Jim’s hobbies over the years include wood working (he built many cabinets and furniture), sailing - he loved nothing more than being on the lake, even including competing in many sailboat races. In the later years he had enjoyed restoring antique motorcycles and entering them in competition, earning himself a few trophies. Jim always had a great smile on his face. He was one of the friendliest guys you could ever hope to meet. He never knew a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything. He would give you the shirt off his back.
Jim lived a good life till the illness of COPD set in and took it away from him. He was just never able to give up the addiction of those cigarettes.
Jim is greatly missed by his family and friends
We love you!
Sail on Jim - Sail on!
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