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James Downs Obituary
James W. Downs Sr., 82, of Center St., Jim Thorpe, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospice House, Bethlehem.
Barbara L. (Stehle) Downs, his wife of 55 years, had passed away in 2020.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Oscar Kenneth and Evelyn (Moore) Downs.
He was a Jim Thorpe Area High School graduate.
Following graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.
He had retired from Bethlehem Steel after working 33 years in the Roll Shop.
He had belonged to St. Mark & St. John's Episcopal Church of Jim Thorpe.
He enjoyed local stock car racing, classic cars, his farm and mini horses.
He loved being with family; his world revolved around his grandchildren.
He belonged to the NRA and many classic car groups.
He is survived by a son, James W. Jr.; daughter, Pearl A., wife of Jason Sheckler, all of Jim Thorpe; grandchildren, Travis Andrews and wife Alyson of Lehighton, Jill, wife of Dustin Roth, and Jayden Downs, all of Jim Thorpe; great-grandchildren, Carley Andrews, Wyatt Andrews and Marit Roth; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Jane Ann Downs; a brother, Kenneth "Gunk" Downs and a sister, Kathy Dietz.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in James' name may be sent to Jim Thorpe Food Pantry, 227 Center Ave., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Downs
Tom & Bonnie Schafer
November 10, 2024
Rest in peace Jimmy you will be missed by a lot of friends
Jeff &RUTHIE WERTMAN
November 1, 2024
Jimmy will be missed by many. Enjoyed going to his shop to work on the race cars and regret not getting to see him more. Our condolences to the family.
Robert J. Miklas, USN
October 28, 2024
A soldier has passed away today today. You are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final bugle has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran.
Grateful
October 26, 2024
James,
Thank You for Your service to our country.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful American
PeggyKay Karper
October 26, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers to his children and grandchildren, my husband use to race stick cars with him and we use to visit him and his late wife often he will be missed dearly, May he RIP in the arms of Jesus and with his wife Barbara and May the Lord comfort his family at this time
Debra Sebelin
October 26, 2024
Blessings to a great guy! May you rest in peace!
Rosie
October 26, 2024
Pearl and family...thinking of you at this sad time. May wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With much love and friendship,
Rosie Wanamaker Ellicott
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