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Jeffrey Downs Obituary
Jerry had a passion for classical guitar and played professionally for 22 years, first at Meson de Mesilla and later at Picacho Hills Country Club. From high school on he played in several bands with a group of long-time friends. He is survived by his son, William Kelly "Billy" Downs, of Las Cruces. Billy was "the apple of his heart and the joy of his life." He is also survived by his brother Thomas Taylor Downs of Denver, CO, his former wife Vicky Downs of Las Cruces, and his little grey cat, January Downs. Jerry was a creative soul who had an equal talent for friendship. He loved life, cats, music, the Packers and of course, the Cubs. He was especially devoted to Billy, who was at his father's side during the last months of Jerry's struggle with cancer. The family also wishes to thank the legion of friends who surrounded Jerry with love and kindness, including those who took him to breakfast, shared coffee and conversation with him, treated him to movie nights, and joined him on walks along the Rio Grande.
A memorial service will be held Sat., March 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Morning Star Methodist Church, 2941 Morning Star Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88011. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Dona Ana County, P.O. Box 1176, Las Cruces, NM 88006. Arrangements are by La Paz Graham Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces. For information call 575-526-6891 or go to www.lapaz-graham.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Downs
Sponsored by Billy Downs.
Jerry rocking out in our barracks room at Pt. Mugu 1972
Joseph Simone
February 26, 2019
Darlynn Bunch
September 9, 2011
Tommy, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. He was a precious soul. I have thought of the times we had together often and fondly. Our world has a little less music with this loss. Miss you, too.
March 8, 2011
I will miss Jerry very much. He was always a good friend to me and a kind, gentle soul. No one ever made me laugh so much as Jerry, and for that I am grateful. He had a knack for seeing the comical side of an otherwise bad situation. I am thankful that I was able to spend some time with him while living and working in Las Cruces.
Bill Armstrong - Albuquerque, NM
Socorro Prieto-Gonzalez
March 6, 2011
Tommy,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your family find comfort in the memories he left behind in so many hearts.
David Byrd
March 6, 2011
Tommy, i'm so sorry to hear about your brothers passing. I only met him once and i thought he was the nicest man i had ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. If i can do anything, please let me know.
David
Patrick Holian
March 6, 2011
I don't know how many thousands of laps I swam along side Jerry Downs at lunchtime at the NMSU pool. Walking back and forth from our jobs to the outdoor pool, we rarely spoke of work. It was always about Billy, the Cubs (loosing usually) and music. Jerry was an astute observer of human nature and would always tell hilarious stories about people in the audience when he played at Meson de Mesilla. It was always a pleasure to be around him. I will miss him.
Kathy Alderete O'Connell
March 6, 2011
Dear Tommy,
I was shocked and sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, Jerry. You are in my thoughts and prayers, my dear friend. God Bless you and yours with His perfect peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Diane Jones
March 5, 2011
Your Spirit will always be with us, Jerry. Your laughter and love resides in out heart. And by the way, I found that penny you left yesterday. As Linda says, send us a text anytime!
Terry Canup
March 5, 2011
Two words described Jerry to me -- "funny" and "selfless." Jerry's wry observations were always good for a laugh, even when we were down. He gave me many a therapy session punctuated with laughter. Jerry always put himself last, to the chagrin of his friends. But that is who he was. It is a good time to remember that when given a choice between laughing and crying, Jerry chose laughter.
Ray Nieto
March 5, 2011
Having worked with Jerry for the 25 years I was at Ag Comm. will always be in my heart. I will miss the laughter and the smile. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to know you, and will always have great memories of you. Billy, I am so sorry for your loss, and it broke my heart to know that that your dad left us at an early age.
Your dad was very proud of you. I always liked the Packers and Cubbies, and in memory of your dad I have become a fan of both. God bless you and keep you safe.
Linda Harris
March 4, 2011
Jerry, it was an honor and yes, even fun, to be able to share these last months with you and with Billy. I will always be proud that I helped you learn to text. Send one down to me sometime.
Joseph Simone
March 4, 2011
The first time I saw Jerry was in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis Tennessee. I had the weekend off from naval training at Millington, as did he. He was playing his guitar in the lobby, swooning the ladies. We actually met some time later when we were both assigned to duty at the Naval Missile Center at Pt. Mugu. We ended up sharing a room in the barracks and became lifetime friends. We had some great adventures together which I will never forget. I miss you buddy. See you on the other side. Love ya man. Joseph Simone
Barbara Chamberlin
March 4, 2011
I always saw Jerry as such a talented artist, such a talented musician, such a kind and fun co-worker... but I know he always saw himself first as a father. The greatest joy he ever knew, the thing he was most proud of, the aspect of his life he cherished the most was you, Billy. By recognizing your strengths, your kindness, your intelligence, your amazing abilities, we also celebrate your father. He was a good man, I already miss him, and I'm so glad I knew him and have such good memories of him.
D'Lyn Ford
March 4, 2011
Billy, your dad's talent and wit brightened the lives of so many friends who worked with him. Although he had many interests to talk about, his favorite topic of conversation was always you. I can't imagine how difficult it has been for you during these last months. You and your family will be in my prayers.
On a boat in San Diego harbor, 2003, on one of the many unforgettable trips we took together
Billy Downs
March 4, 2011
You'll always be with me dad, and we'll never be apart. I hope the joy you are experiencing by being reunited with Pat, Fred, and the rest of our lost family and friends is that of the joy it is knowing you are my father. I'm not sure you'll ever fully understand what a huge part and what an amazing mentor, inspiration, and friend you are to me. We'll be reunited, and everything will be perfect again. I love you with every ounce and fiber of my soul.
Billy
P.S. January is a little sad, but doing well.
Cuyler Frank
March 4, 2011
Jerry: I will always remember our sports talks and reviews of xbox and playstation. Thanks for being a great person to me, I'll never forgot you buddy.
Ana Henke
March 4, 2011
I've been blessed to know Jerry as both a colleague and friend. He was a wonderful artist (although he'd deny it) and a beautiful musician. I miss him very much. Billy, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Ana
Joanna Shields
March 4, 2011
Jerry, what an amazing father, musician, artist, mentor and friend. Thank you for everything you taught me about art, music and sports but most of all... life, love and laughter. Words cannot express how deeply you will be missed. Good-bye my dear, dear friend. You are forever in my heart. ~ Love, Joanna
Jerry and Stanley Kubrick, the cat that he adopted for me from the Dona Ana County Animal Shelter..
Joanna Shields
March 4, 2011
Jerry, what an amazing father, musician, artist, mentor and friend. Thank you for everything you taught me about art, music and sports but most of all... life, love and laughter. Words cannot express how deeply you will be missed. Good-bye my dear, dear friend. You are forever in my heart. ~ Love, Joanna
Jerry and "Stanley Kubrick" the cat that he adopted as a gift for me from the Dona Ana County Animal Shelter.
Joanna Shields
March 4, 2011
Jerry
Paul Forsyth
March 4, 2011
Adios Jerry. Many good memories of Cruces in the 50's growing up in the old Dale Bellamah edition. Bart Star VS. YA Tittle and Warren Spahn VS. Whitey Ford. Always on opposite sides and still best friends. My condolences to you family.
Shelley Toll
March 3, 2011
Your father loved you so much Billy, you were his life and now he will be your guardian from above. Some of my fondest memories include your father. Know we love you and will support you during this difficult time and always.
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