James Arnold Downard DVM 91, of Michigantown, IN, died June 5, 2012 at Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton, IL. Born December 9, 1920 in Frankfort, IN to William Earl & Maude (Custer) Downard. He married Jean Downard in Windfall, KS and she preceded him in death in 1981. He then married Mary Valentine Hill in Greenfield, IL on February1 4, 1982 and she survives. Dr. Downard was a graduate of Business School in Fort Wayne and Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine on June 15, 1951. He grew up in Indiana, lived in Iowa, Illinois, San Juan Puerto Rico, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland and then retired to Indiana. He ran a private practice Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield from 1951-1964 and then worked for the USDA Veterinary Medical Service from 1964-1987. A 1st Lieutenant Veteran of the Army Air Corps during WWII, he was a B17 Pilot serving from April 21, 1942 to October 4, 1945. He received the DFC for extinguishing a fire in the cockpit during a combat run, the Oakleaf Cluster for the DFC with 25 missions completed, Air Medal for 5 missions completed, then 3 Oakleaf Clusters for additional 15 missions, and the European-African-Mideast Service Medal for active duty. Dr. Downard was a member of the Michigantown Christian Church and the Michigantown Lions Club. He enjoyed owning and flying small planes.
Visitation and Services
Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Goodwin Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery, Michigantown, IN. Memorial donations may be made to the Michigantown Christian Church or the Greenfield Foundation for Educational Excellence, c/o Mrs. DL Turpin, 608 Walnut, Greenfield, IL 62044.
Survived by:
Wife: Mary Downard of Godfrey, IL
2 Daughters: Marilyn (Michael) Johnson of Topeka, KS and Ellen (Kenneth) Reikowski of Valrico, FL
8 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren
Preceded by:
He was preceded in death by a son, James A. Downard Jr. on February 21, 2011, 3 sisters, Mary Ellen Downard, Virginia Hoemig, and Martha Gordon.
I had to comment after reading Mr.Downard’s obit. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in my 40 years of residing in Frankfort. This was no doubt one wonderful man. All of his accomplishments in his 91 years of life made me realize how little I have done. My life has indeed missed a lot by not knowing him. He must be enjoying many, many rewards he has truly earned in heaven with the LORD.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Mary and family,
I wanted to be there today but am having back surgery next Friday and could not ride in car for that long. I just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rejoice for where Jim has gone. He is with the Father.
Debbie Scott Sam and Hannah
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Facebook Twitter GoogleA great man… a Patriot… genuine, trustworthy, faithful, a man of commitment… Enjoy your reward sir. God’s blessings to the family.
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