James “Jimmy” Downs

July 27, 1957 - May 13, 2021
James “Jimmy” Downs

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

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
1:00 PM

Vanceboro Cemetery - Directions
331 Mill Road
Vanceboro, NC 28586

Visiting Hours

Joseph B. Paul, Jr. & Washington Funeral & Cremation - Directions
4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, NC 27889   T:252-975-4500
  • Tuesday, May 18, 2021
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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  • October 06, 2022
    Steve McCurdy says:
    Jimmy, I just found out you passed. We had alot of good times at the point, you passed way to young. May yours be blessed.

  • May 14, 2021
    Pattie Fenton says:
    Jimmy, my heart is broken, met you in 1987 and you have always been like a brother to me and Paul's best friend. Rest In Peace, I will always love and miss you

  • May 14, 2021
    Freda [Thomas] Cummings says:
    Sorry to here about Jimmy. Love Freda

  • May 15, 2021
    William Staton says:
    Jimmy, I know you and Dale are bumping fenders around Daytona, save a fast car for me.I miss you brother. Billy Staton

  • May 16, 2021
    Dave BOURNE says:
    Jimmy, you're going to be missed by a lot of friends and former co-workers.Rest in Peace Jimmy.

  • May 17, 2021
    Chad Braxton says:
    James was a dedicated Brother at Vanceboro Masonic Lodge for many years. He was always eager to help someone in need. He had a big heart and I cherished his friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

  • May 18, 2021
    Anthony Lee says:
    JD you are still the greatest person with the biggest heart I have ever met, I'm really going to miss you! You and all of your family, the best and most honest souls ever!