James Junior Downing, 72, of rural Cashton passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice in Viroqua after a courageous battle with cancer.
James, who we all knew as “Jim,” was a hardworking, dedicated dairyman. He was born April 13, 1942, to James and Ethel (Short) Downing in Ontario. On July 1, 1961, he married Mary Schallock, at Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle and was a friend to many.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary (Schallock) Downing of Cashton; two sons, Wayn (Kim) Downing and Walen (Connie) Downing, both of Cashton; seven grandchildren, Calista (Jon) Jilek and children Jett and Tenley, Lauren (Matt) Downing, LeAnn Downing, Amber (Josh) Downing and son Arion Gast, Ashley (Josh) Oium and children Roxana and Ethan Johnson, Kesha (Caleb) and Jeffry Janzen; a brother, Allen (Rita) Downing of Janesville; two sisters, Beverly Olson and Marie (Alan) Hartman, both of Norwalk; two sisters-in-law, Ab Downing and Bette Downing both of Sycamore, Ill.; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Wendy Downing; his brothers, Walen, Bill and Lloyd Downing; and a sister, Eva Thomas.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, at United Methodist Church in Sparta. Rev. Ray Diaz will officiate. Burial will follow in the Moen Cemetery, rural Cashton. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
