James A. Downs Sr.

James A. Downs Sr., 95, died in June 23, 2014.

He was born Dec. 20, 1919, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to James Downs Sr. and Rosalind Downs. Jim grew up in Westfield, New Jersey attending Staunton Military Academy during High School graduating in 1937. He attended one year at Marion Military Institute in Alabama, then the U.S. Army Coast Artillery at Fort Hancock, New Jersey. He also served as an Enlisted Man at Fort Dix. These military tours were with hopes of entering the Military Academy at West Point. Such hopes were realized when an appointment came for Jim to enter the Academy in 1941. It was to be the Class of 1945; however, because of World War II, the class finished in three years and became the Class of 1944. Upon Graduation on June 6, 1944, Jim married Marjorie Oneal from Westfield, New Jersey, in the Cadet Chapel at West Point. As a 2nd Lieutenant with basic flight training, Jim became a Pilot in the Army Air Corps.

A series of transfers began in June 1944 for advanced flight training. Charleston, S.C., 9 mos. with B-24’s, then Montgomery, Alabama for transition pilot training with the B-29 and then Tampa, Florida for final preparations with his crew and 8-29 plans. The day of departure, the Japanese surrendered thus, changing plans for the Army Air Corps.

After short transfers within the U.S., Jim was briefly stationed in Guam, and finally to Tokyo, with the Occupation Forces.in 1946. Jim was assigned to the ClC in Tokyo with General MacArthur’s Headquarters.

In 1947, Jim’s wife and two sons, ages 2 and 1 were able to join him in Tokyo. Jim left the Army Air Corps during his Tokyo assignment, but returned there and went into the Japanese School with 4 years, as part of the U.S. Army Program. He became very proficient in Japanese Language and culture.

During that tour of duty, the Korean War began, and Jim spent several months on special assignment.

In 1952, Jim and family were transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for nine months at the Artillery School.

1953 - 1956 While stationed at the Pentagon, Jim attended Georgetown University earning his Master’s Degree.

Jim resigned from the Army in 1956 and went to work for the U.S. Government. In 1957, Jim and family returned to Japan, five years in Tokyo and two years in Kobe. He retired from Government Service in 1971 and relocated to Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay.

Jim loved fishing in his Boston Whaler. He began Beekeeping and continued with that hobby upon moving to Alaska in 1993. Jim taught Beekeeping in Virginia and after 37 years, he reluctantly retired from it. Prior to the move to Alaska, Jim came to Alaska for several summers and worked at Silvertip Lodge as an interpreter and guide for visiting Japanese fishermen.

When sons, Ken and Bruce became Boy Scouts, Jim was involved in the Scouting Program even while in Japan, and in Willow.

Jim has been very involved with various Church activities over the years and a leader in many. He has been a devoted Dad and loved his sons. Jim maintained an adventurous spirit and was well liked by all. He will be missed. Jim has blessed his family, friends and even strangers.

Jim leaves his wife, Margie of 70 years; sons, Kenneth and Bruce, and his wife, Bonna; grandson, Joshua of Alaska; and granddaughter, Jan Kathryn of Virginia.

A celebration of life is at noon, July 9 at Christ First United Methodist Church, 5173 W. Fairview Loop, Wasilla.

Arrangements were cared for by Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel.