James Paul Downs, Sr., 91, of Ashland, passed away at the Hospice Care Center on June 21, 2019. He was born on December 12, 1927 in Printer, WV to the late Reed McKinley and Mary Goodwin Downs. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Iris Downs Campbell.
James was blending supervisor at Ashland Oil, Inc. and served proudly in the U.S. Army in both WWII and the Korean conflict. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church and had been active in the Boy Scouts of America, Ashland Oil clubs and some hunting and fishing clubs.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth Walters Downs of Ashland, KY; sons James Paul Downs, Jr. and wife Lynn of Ashland, KY, David Carleton Downs and wife Suzanne of Versailles, KY, and Ralph Reed Downs and wife Lynda of Russell, KY; a daughter Joy Downs Thielen of Ashland, KY; Grandchildren Dustin Downs, James Kelly Downs, Johnathan Thielen, Pavin Reed Downs, Jax Downs, Griffin Downs and Sadie Downs (Caleb) Chapman; several great grandchildren and an adopted son Michael Hale.
Funeral services will be held at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM and will be officiated by Reverend Jeremy Couture. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery with military rites by Kenova American Legion Post #93. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers friends may make contributions to Jamie’s Sake, 1544 Winchester Avenue, #808, Ashland, KY. 41101 or Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101. Online condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhome.com
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