James “Jimmy” Downs age 63 a resident of 395 Clark Road, Vanceboro, NC and formerly of Pensacola, Florida died Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Vidant Medical Center.
Jimmy was born July 27, 1957 to the late James Oliver Downs and Phyllis Charlene Downs in Pensacola, Florida. He spent his adolescence and teenage years in Escambia County and after graduating from Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida, the Army whisked him away to Hamburg, Germany in 1977 for a Basic Leadership Course.
He completed an apprenticeship as a Machinist under the sponsorship of the Navy and obtained an Associates of Science degree in Metal/Machine work from Pensacola Junior College in 1986. Jimmy also received a certification in the technological field from Craven Community College.
Jimmy worked at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola until transferring to Cherry Point in Havelock, NC in 1994.
He was member of the Mason’s Lodge, chapter 231 in Vanceboro. He was a hardcore Dale Earnhardt fan and was all about number 3 until later becoming a fan of Chase Elliot. He got most excited for the races at Talladega. When all the cars had crossed the finish line, he’d change the channel to football and would always pull for Alabama or the New Orleans Saints.
Jimmy’s family was everything to him.
He was survived by a daughter: Kalyn Downs; a sister: Karen Downs-Centers, and several nephews and grandsons.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Vanceboro Cemetery, located at 331 Mill Road in Vanceboro.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Joseph B. Paul, Jr. / Washington Funeral & Cremation.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. / Washington Funeral & Cremation of Washington are serving the Downs family.
Graveside Service
Visiting Hours
4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, NC 27889 T:252-975-4500
- Tuesday, May 18, 2021
-
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tribute Wall