Father James A. Downs

Reverend Father James Alfred Downs passed away the afternoon of November 17, 2025 at Paramount Senior Living in McMurray, PA.
Father Downs was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on October 15, 1944. He was the son of the late Catherine Flaherty Downs and James Downs. He is survived by his brother Daniel Downs, sister Mary Ann (Mike) Campbell, nephews, Mickel Campbell and Ian Campbell and great niece, Anika Campbell.
Fr. Downs attended St. Philip Catholic grade school, Crafton High School, and graduated in 1962 from Holy Innocents High School in Sheridan, PA. He was educated by the Sisters of Charity.
Fr. Downs was ordained as a Catholic Priest on May 16, 1970 by Bishop Leonard for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Athenaeum in Cincinnati, OH in 1966. He earned his Masters of Divinity from St. Meinrad's School of Theology in May 1970. He also pursued a degree in Sacred Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.
Fr. Downs first assignment as Parochial Vicar was at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh beginning in May 1970. In 1975, he was transferred to New Castle, PA where he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph The Worker Parish.
Fr. Downs served as Chaplain at the Youth Development Center in New Castle, PA from 1979 until 1995. Along with Joan Aquino, Fr. Downs initiated a drug and alcohol recovery program for youth.
Fr. Downs served as Chaplain to the Motherhouse of the Villa Maria Community of Sisters from 1981 until 1995. During this time, he served as Chaplain to the high school students at Villa Maria High School. There, he was able to fulfill a life-long dream of acting in several musicals. He starred as Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof and as Mr. Bumble in Oliver. He also enjoyed teaching Latin and Religion classes at Villa Maria High School.
When Villa Maria School closed, Fr. Downs was transferred to St. Anthony Parish in Bessemer and became the administrator of St. Lawrence Parish in Hillsville. In 2000, these two Parishes merged to become Christ the King Parish. He served as Pastor of Christ the King Parish and administrator at St. James the Apostle Parish from 2010 to 2012. He served as the Pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish from 2012 until his retirement in 2015.
In addition to these assignments, Fr. Downs was appointed Director of CCD Deanery in Lawrence County from 1999 until 2003. Fr. Downs was also Director of The Religious Education Deanery in Lawrence County from 2004 to 2015. Fr. Downs was heavily involved in the Cursillo Movement of the Pittsburgh Diocese from September 1979 through the 1980's.
Fr. Downs retired in May of 2015 to his beloved Conneaut Lake home, where he spent many years entertaining family and friends, boating, water skiing, and tubing on the Lake. In July 2025 Fr. Downs moved to Paramount Senior Living in McMurray, PA.
Fr. Downs was known for his wit, wisdom, generosity, and love of music and singing. He deeply appreciated those friends and family who supported him through his many years of Ministry. The family wishes to thank those who helped out as his health declined, you made his final year better and brought a smile to his face.
Calling Hours will be on Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 S. Mill St., New Castle, PA 16101. Family and Friends will meet on Monday for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church, 910 S. Mercer St., New Castle, PA 16101, officiated by Bishop Mark Eckman with Homilist Father Matthew Hawkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, American Cancer Society, Diocese of Pittsburgh, St. Jude’s Hospital, or the Shriners Hospital.
Online Condolences may be offered at www.decarbofh.com.