James J. Downing

Beloved husband, James “Jim” Joseph Downing was born on October 24, 1933, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He was baptized into the Christian faith, which guided his life. Jim married the love of his life, Mary Jane Mootz, on August 3, 1957, beginning a 67-year partnership filled with love and devotion that all started with a blind date. 

Jim grew up among the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong work ethic. As a teenager, he took on various jobs, including installing billboard signs, working at Jeannette Glass Company, and in a coal mine. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country in Korea and Japan before being stationed in Madison, Wisconsin. It was there that he met Mary Jane, and their love story began. 

Jim was a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 1638. Some of his cherished memories were participating in a 2014 Honor Flight, accompanied by one of his daughters and spending a memorable day in Washington, D.C. with his grandson also. In 2017, he was a passenger in a Dream Flight Boeing Stearman biplane flying over Stevens Point, Wisconsin. These experiences were a profound highlight in his later years. 

Jim’s career included many years as the Bindery Supervisor at Merrill Quality Print/Foto News, where he ultimately retired. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Downing; daughters Ann Zastrow, Barbara (John) Wais, and Charlotte Downing; grandson Adam Zastrow (Ben Schorr); great-granddaughter Emilia Schorr-Zastrow; half-sister JoAn Downing; brothers-in-law Eugene Mootz and David (Jean) Mootz; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Downing and Susan Carnathan Bittner; step-mother Mildred Downing; son Clark Downing; son-in-law Tylor Hartwig; sister Nancy Lopes; brothers-in-law Art Lopes and Leroy Mootz; sisters-in-law Sandy Mootz and Charlotte Mootz. 

Jim’s life was marked by love, service, and passion. He adored his family, freely giving his time and energy to support them. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, had a talent for artistry and craftsmanship, and was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Later in life, Jim and Mary enjoyed traveling to many different places. 

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 A.M. Thursday at the church. V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill, will provide military rites following the service. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. 

 Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity School, 107 N. State Street, Merrill, Wisconsin 54452.