Jim Downs Obituary (1958 - 2015)

Jim Downs, 57, of Pana, died Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in his residence. He was born January 27, 1958 in Pana, the son of Charlie Betty Fulton Downs. Jim graduated from Pana High School in 1976 and was a member of the football and track teams. He then graduated from Lake Land College in 1978 with an Associate's degree in business and from Millikin University in 1980 with a Bachelor's degree in business, where he was a member of the Millikin track field team. Jim worked in the family business, Downs Motors, with his dad and brothers from 1980-2013. He was currently employed with Process System Inc in Nokomis, IL. Jim volunteered with many community activities. He was the chairman of the Pana Labor Day Parade, member of the Pana Education Foundation board, Pana Hospital Foundation board, and Christian County Mental Health board. He was also a member of the Pana Lions Club, Pana Elks, Pana Eagles, Pana Moose, Moose Legion, and the former Pana Jaycees. He enjoyed watching auto racing, track field, storm chasing, meteorology, star gazing, music, grilling out, sunsets, go-kart racing with his son, and spending time with his family, granddaughters, and friends. Jim Downs Denise McAfee were married on July 25, 1981 in Pana. Jim is survived by his wife: Denise Downs, Pana, IL; children: Cayla Beyers husband Joe, Rosamond, IL; Cara Lewis husband Ryan, St. Louis, MO; and Cale Downs, Pana, IL; father mother: Charlie Betty Downs, Pana, IL; 3 granddaughters: Phiona, Lorelei, Florence; and brothers: Brad Downs, Pana, IL John Downs wife Janet, Pana, IL; mother-in-law, Avo McMillen, Pana, IL; step mother-in-law, Roberta McAfee, Pana, IL; and nieces nephews. He was preceded by his father-in-law, Darrel McAfee; step father-in-law, Carl McMillen, and aunt, Virginia Downs. Funeral Information Visitation will be Friday, June 19, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 20, 2015 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Palmer officiating. Everyone is invited to meet at Rosemond Grove Cemetery on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a sunset graveside service, Jim's favorite time of day.