10/29/2025
James (Jim/Jimbo) Edward Downing was 74 when he passed away October 15, 2025 near his home in Kalama, Washington. Born March 9, 1951, St Paul, Minnesota to Helen and Jack Downing. He was a Dowling Catholic High School graduate 1969 Des Moines, Iowa. Jim met the love of his life, Susan Herman, when they were fourteen years old.
They had three children who live nearby in Washington: Jimmy (Diana), Dusty (Jamie Lynn), Jamie (Jake Mallory). He was “Bapa” to his beloved grandchildren Kaylee, Sierra, Jaylie, Jax and three great grandchildren. Two of five siblings survive Jim in Des Moines, Iowa. Jeffrey and Jackie (Downing) Brown. Lots of nieces, nephews and the Herman’s all miss Jimbo too!
Jim started his own business in 1989, Advanced Boring Specialists (ABS, Inc.) near Portland, Oregon employing their two sons and son-in-law. He was very proud of their growth, family and success.
Jim had a brief kidney cancer hospice stay at the hospital. He was with family when he passed. Susie told him she loved him and kissed him on cheek. It was at that spiritual moment Jim chose his last breath. He took all that LOVE and pink lipstick with him for his promised eternal life.
Jim believed in his dreams. He did feel like a million, like number one, strong, like a rock. He held firmly to what he felt was right and was something to see! Proud, tall, charging, carrying his weight.
We cherish memories of his love, wit, humor, adventure, generosity, support and wisdom. We trust the Sun shines upon him and he once again feels “Like a Rock”.
