"Our Father, who art in heaven" James C Downing, (B:18-August-1924, D:12-October-2025)

He was the best father.

Dad was born in 1924 and grew up in western New York, spending much of his early years in North Java. His father, Edward, died when he was 5. The Great Depression was just starting. He grew up with his brother Edward (Gus), sister Jeanie, and their mother (Gertrude Brady). They were extremely poor. Imagine his mother raising three children in rural western New York during the Great Depression—almost unimaginable. Dad often shared stories of their home, where large gaps between the floorboards allowed cold winds from Lake Erie to blow through. They would place newspapers on the floors to block the winter breezes, and would tell stories of the kids running around trying to keep the newspapers from flying around. Dad was so poor that when it came time for school pictures, he never had any taken—he didn't want to ask his mother for money, knowing it would add to her stress. This challenging beginning shaped him profoundly and became a meaningful part of his children's lives.

When World War II began, Dad served in the 15th Army Air Corps, 456th Heavy Bomber Group. He trained in Tonopah NV, and then they flew their B-24 across the Atlantic via Natal, Brazil, to Dakar, Senegal. Amazing adventure for a kid from Wyoming County, NY. Magically, he flew 50 missions as a nose gunner in a B-24 bomber, and this was the maximum missions before they sent you home. He was based in North Africa and Italy, participating in missions including the harrowing air raids over Ploesti, Romania. One of the raids on Ploesti had 178 B-24s take off and only 88 returned. Imagine being 19 years old and doing that! Other missions included bombing places like Munich, Budapest, Vienna, Bucharest, Lyon and others. His fondest memories were of Cerignola Airfield (Italy), where he and his crew had some great times and stories.

After the war, he married Dorothy Almeter, who was from Strykersville, New York, just a stone's throw from North Java. Their love story is remarkable, but that's for another time. Dorothy passed away in 2009 from complications of Alzheimer's at the age of 85. Dad cared for her single-handedly until the end, honoring his promise never to place her in a care home. Writing about Mom still brings tears—she was incredibly intelligent and pure gold.

Mom and Dad were devout Catholics, attending church every Sunday, with Mom often wearing a headscarf. After retirement, they attended Mass daily. They were so respected in the Catholic Church that they were chosen to receive communion directly from Pope John Paul II at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Their faith was central to their lives.

Much of our family life revolved around the small western New York towns of North Java and East Aurora. Many of us children still make semi-annual trips to the East Aurora, Strykersville, and North Java area to visit aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. At a recent family reunion in East Aurora, cousins shared that some of their best memories were when the Downing family made the eight-hour drive from Maryland to East Aurora/Strykersville for sleepovers and playtime in the beautiful old barn on the Almeter family's dairy farm. Those memories are so precious. We will continue to visit the area, as our roots run deep there. If Dad were allowed to pick favorites, he'd choose Aunt Sandy (East Aurora, NY) and Aunt Sharon (Fairport, NY). We all love you both so much.

Mom was the center of Dad's life, but when she passed away, Dad was 85 and all alone. After her death, he worked hard to build new friendships. He knew Ellen from church, and she became his constant companion. In his final years, his friend Teyonna was his rock. He also found a vibrant community at the local restaurant and bar, Adam's Ribs, where the friendships he formed truly kept him going with an old-fashioned "social network." He would make new friends simply by saying "hi" to anyone who passed him at "the Rib." He loved those people, and they loved him back.

Jim and Dorothy had 6 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, all of whom are alive and well: Mark and Kevin live in Portland, Oregon; Michael, Michele, and Shawn live near Dad in Maryland; and Patrick lives in Bangkok, Thailand. Grandchildren are Langley, Sean, Julia and Jake. Great great-grandchildren are Chase and Madoc. A heartfelt thank you to Mike, Michele, and Shawn for their sacrifices and dedication in caring for Dad in his final years. Their devotion, especially as Dad reached his 90s and beyond, was deeply appreciated by everyone, especially Dad. Imagine being in your 90s or 100s and having so many loved ones visit and care for you! Maryland Downings, thank you so much.

Mom and Dad are both cremated, and their ashes rest together in the small cemetery in North Java. Please visit them when you can; they are on the left side, near the top of the hill. Sit down and look out over the fields, and think of them as a young couple in the late 1940s. Dad would like no flowers, but instead contribute to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Evangelist Church.

He was the best father. Of course he had flaws. But we all thrived. I would not change a thing.

Books could be written about dad's life. But we should leave it here. Maybe think of the words of Jane Austin (Sense and Sensibility) "They have just lost their father, their lives will never be the same". Diana Der-Hovanessian's poem "The Shifting Sun" often brings insight and comfort:

When your father dies, say the Irish, you lose your umbrella against bad weather.

May his sun be your light, say the Armenians.

When your father dies, say the Welsh, you sink a foot deeper into the earth.

May you inherit his light, say the Armenians

When your father dies, say the Canadians, you run out of excuses.

May you inherit his sun, say the Armenians.

When your father dies, say the Indians, he comes back as the thunder.

May you inherit his light, say the Armenians.

When your father dies, say the Russians, he takes your childhood with him.

May you inherit his light say the Armenians.

When your father dies, say the British, you join his club you vowed you wouldn't.

May you inherit his sun, say the Armenians.

When your father dies, say the Armenians, your sun shifts forever and you walk in his light.

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday October 22, 2025 from 2-4pm at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park MD, 21146.