James B. Downey

James B. Downey
7/9/1949 - 10/26/2022
James B. (Jim) Downey Obituary
As he would have stated it himself, James Buchanan Downey (Jim to all) "slipped the surly bonds of earth" on October 26, 2022. As with his Irish and Scottish forebearers, he was a great storyteller with both the gift of gab and the heart of a poet. He was born in Manhattan on July 9, 1949 to Betty McLauchlen, a famous model and fashion icon of the 40s and 50s. His father, James Downey, was a dapper and influential ad-man from the 'Mad Men' era, and, upon Jim's birth, his parents enlisted their best friend, songwriter Johnny Mercer, as godfather.
Throughout his life Jim's Runyonesque persona and zest for life were constants. To be with him was to be engulfed in his booming, larger-than-life personality, and it helped if you brought your sense of humor to the party. He knew a lot about a lot, and although, at times, the breadth of his knowledge could be daunting, he never flaunted it. (Well, hardly ever.) Afterall, Jim was the guy you called for advice before buying a new car, computer, musical instrument, etc. He was the definition of a man for all seasons; at times a witty, urbane gentleman with pocket square and impeccable manners, other times he was Everyman, standing at a lunch counter, chatting up the counterman, scarfing down hotdogs and winning a new audience.
He attended elementary school at Allen Stevenson and later the High School of Music and Art in New York City. He was a popular Maître d' at such trendy watering holes as City Limits and Maxwell's Plum. Concurrently, he pursued his acting and music talents, appearing in several television commercials and sit-coms, among them the very popular Kate and Allie.
And he was a successful and continuously active writer: Jim and writing partner Tom Connor co-authored the best seller Is Martha Stuart Living?, Martha, Really and Cruelly, Martha Stuart's Excruciatingly Perfect Weddings, Smith & Hawk'em, Re-WIRED parody, Zeeguts Ridiculous Restaurants, and Brainstorms and Mindfarts. At the time of his passing, he was writing a memoir about growing up with his glamorous (albeit absent) parents.
His most cherished role was caretaker and mentor to his sister Nancy's children. Over the years, through the force of his charisma, knowledge, and artistic gifts, he became a teacher and inspiration to them and their close friends. He was known to all who were fortunate enough to come within his orbit simply as "Uncle Jim."
Jim Downey is survived by his sister Nancy Connor, best friend Joanne Bilyard, nieces Stacy Sheehan and Allyson Downey, nephews Teddy Angelus, Jimmy Angelus, Dylan Connor, Robert Downey, Jr., brother-in law David Connor, ex-wife Linda Downey and step-sister Bianca (Bibi) Dorso. He was predeceased by his brother, renowned film-maker and director, Robert Downey, Sr.
He will be missed beyond words by everyone who knew him.