James Downs

James F. Downs, Jr., 83, of Powell, OH, died July 13 2023, at the Kobacker House, Columbus, following a brief illness.   He was born March 31, 1940, in Chillicothe, to the late James F., Sr. and Helen (Ward) Downs.  On September 17, 1962, he married the former Rose Y. Preston, who preceded him in death on July 7, 2005.  He was also predeceased by his daughter, Kelly Downs; a sister-in-law Carol Speakman; and brother-in-law Richard Blakeman.   Surviving is his wife of 17 years, Patricia (Reuter) Downs, of Powell; his daughter Kim "Jody" (Craig) Reichert, of Frankfort; Patricia's children: Laura (David) Morefield, Amy (Randy) Fout, Heidi (Chad) Livermore, and Thomas (Brittany) Newman; grandchildren: Kevin (Amy Jo) Reichert and Lydia Reichert, Jason, Scott and Grace Morefield, Jacob and Alex Fout; great-grandson Luke Andrew James Reichert; a brother Roger (Sue) Downs; two very special friends Rick Spence and Jeff Gehrig; brothers-in-law Paul (Debra) Preston, Mike (Teresa) Preston, Roger Preston, Dr. Nicholas (Bernice) Reuter, Dr. Lawrence (Rill) Reuter, Herschel Speakman; sisters-in-law Marilyn (Ron) Rittinger, Paulette Blakeman, Naomi (Tom) Jividen, Phyllis (Albert) Willis, Wanda Manson, Rita (Paul) LeDuc, Betty (Ron) Marchionda, Jacinta (Tony) Mariato, Maggie (Gene) Schmitz, Fran (Dianne) Reuter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.   Jim served his country in the US Army from 1959 – 1962, where he worked as an electrician.  He then was a professional driver with UPS for 31 years, having never had an accident.   He was a custom knife maker, gunsmith, electrician and carpenter.  Jim was also was an avid Ohio State fan.   A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am August 12, at the First Wesleyan Church with Pastors Jon Welch and Craig Reichert officiating.  Military graveside services conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Londonderry Cemetery.  Friends may call 1-hr prior to the ceremony at the church, and are encouraged to wear OSU attire in honor of Jim.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kelly Downs Memorial Scholarship at www.CRCF.net   To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James F. Downs, Jr. , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store .