James A. Downard Jr.

January 21, 2011

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James A. “JD” Downard Jr. 64 of Topeka, KS, died January 21, 2011 at Plaza West Regional Health Center in Topeka. Born October 22, 1946 in Amex, Iowa to James & Ellen Jean (Morgan) Downard. He grew up in Greenfield, IL, moved to Quincy, IL where he graduated high school and had also lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy from January 1967 to February 1971. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Wallace L. Lind and the USS Guam during the Vietnam War. His decorations include, National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. He was in the U.S. Naval Reserve until January 1973. Following his service he earned a degree in finance from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and was a member of the SIU Alumni Assoc. JD was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS and enjoyed sailing.

Visitation and Services

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 26th at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, IN 46041. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon at the funeral home. Bob Woods, Minister will officiate. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery, Michigantown, IN. Memorial donations may be made to National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or online at nationalmssociety.org, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Survived by:

Father and Step Mother: Dr. James A. Downard Sr. & wife Mary of Michigantown, IN 2 Sisters: Marilyn Johnson (Michael) of Topeka, KS and Ellen Reikowski (Kenneth) of Valrico, FL 6 nieces and nephews also survive

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1981.

Condolences

3 Condolences for “James A. Downard Jr.”

  1. Dave Morgan January 26, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Uncle Jim I am sorry to hear about your loss of Jimbo. Its been along time and Jean just called me tonight to tell me the sad news. Please give my condolences to Marilyn and Ellen. My daughter, Counsualla, is writing this because she helped me find this. I am not computer savy so she is helping me out. I would love to get back in touch with the family my house number is 1815-614-3049 and my cell phone is 1815-573-6626. sincerely, Dave Morgan

  2. Ron Short January 27, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Doc Downard – the Short and Reed family sends our condolences on the passing of JD (Jimmy). Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron Short

  3. Edward R. Emmons January 29, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I am sorry to hear of you loss — he was an acquaintance of mine from church, whom I respected. I missed the funeral, but now send condolences to all of his family and friends.
    Edward

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