James R. Downs
1949-2020
James Russell Downs, 71, of Falling Waters, died Friday, October 2, 2020 at Hospice of the Panhandle Inpatient Care Facility in Kearneysville.
Born March 26, 1949 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late James R. and Clara Noma Gordy Downs.
He was a Christian.
He graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Md.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from August 24, 1967 until his honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant on April 6, 1971. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal First Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal and Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He worked as a warehouse supply clerk with the U.S. Dept. of Army at Letterkenny until his retirement in 2005.
Surviving are his wife Carol Ann Young Downs at home; his stepchildren, Tracey Jones, Eagle Mountain, Utah and Tammy Holman, Charleston; one sister, Clara Jump, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Kenneth Downs, Panama City, Fla. and David Downs of New York; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Theresa Hill; one sister, Sherry Downs and one brother, Alan Downs.
Services and interment will be private.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 122 South High Street, Morgantown, WV 26501.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs.
