James R. Downey

James R. Downey active in Lowell youth sports, avid runner; 55 LOWELL Mr. James R. Downey, a resident of Lowell, died unexpectedly June 3, 2008, at Saints Medical Center, aged 55 years. He was the loving husband and best friend of Kathy (Hazen) Downey with whom he would have celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on June 4th. Born in Somerville, MA, on January 20, 1953, the son of the late Paul and Evelyn (Thomas) Downey, Sr. Jim received his education in the Somerville school system and was a graduate of Somerville Technical High School with the Class of 1971. He was employed at the former Wang Computer as a computer technician for many years, more recently he was associated with Thermo Fisher Scientific of Lowell, also as a computer technician. Jim loved to run, seen frequently on the streets of Lowell; he has been running for 40 years. His most cherished running moment was when he finished the Hampton NH Marathon in 2:58:10, which was his personal best. Jim was a committed husband, and father, when his boys were growing up Jim coached or assisted in the following youth teams, Callery Park T-ball, Highland Minor, Little and Senior League Baseball, Olivera Senior League, Shedd Park Senior League, Mill City Fall Baseball, Highland Basketball, and Highland Grade 6 Travel Basketball Team. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Red Sox, Patriots, and the Bruins. In addition to his wife, Kathy he is survived by his two sons, Peter R. Downey of Fitzwilliam, NH, and Tyler H. Downey of Lowell; sisters, Evie Murphy and her husband, Larmar of Springfield, VA, Frannie Cooper and her husband, Steven of Andover, MA; a brother, Michael Downey of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Rosie Downey of Arlington, MA; his mother-in-law, Jessie Hazen of East Hampton, CT; a sister-in-law, Kris Haswell of Cromwell, CT; and brother-in-law, Linn Hazen of North Hero, VT; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was also the brother of the late Paul Downey, Jr. DOWNEY Unexpectedly, June 3, 2008 at Saints Medical Center, James R. Downey of Lowell, husband of Kathy (Hazen) Downey. Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 Princeton Blvd. at Chester and Harvard Sts. on Sunday, from 4 8 PM. Funeral Service on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make Memorial Contributions in Jim's name to a youth sports league of your choice or any public or school library. Interment will be private. Funeral Director Walter F. Bayliss, Jr. www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com