Tehachapi News

Jimmie Ray Downs

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Jimmie Ray Downs passed away on Dec. 30, 2008 from complications of liver cancer. 

He was 60-years-old.

Jimmie, a member of the Choctaw Indian Tribe, worked as an officer for the Department of Corrections and was forced to retire in his thirties after a stroke. Not wanting to sit around, he often worked security, most recently at the NASA facility at Edwards Air Force Base.

His work wasn’t what he took the most pride in, however. Instead, it was his children and grandchildren. It was his role as Grandpa Jim that gave him a renewed vigor and focus in his life for the last seven years.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Downs and Laura Magness; his sisters, Iona Scott and Mary Townson; and his brother, Robert Downs II. He never stopped missing this family that he grew up with and took comfort in knowing he would soon rejoin them.

Prior to his passing, Jimmie renewed his commitment to his first wife and the mother of his children, Mary Frances Downs, who cared for him in his illness. He is survived by Mary; his son, Jimmie Downs, Jr. and wife Rosie; his daughter, Lori Brewer and husband Thomas; and his grandchildren Jacob, Laura, Christie and Hunter. He also leaves behind many friends and extended family members to whom he remained committed throughout his life.