James Leo Downs was born March 3rd, 1943 in Erick, Oklahoma to Bill and Francis Downs. He went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Integris Baptist hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 83 years 5 months and 2 days.

James married the love of his life, Sandy on July 14, 1961 in Erick, Oklahoma, moving to the Texas panhandle for a short time before returning to Erick. While in Erick, James worked at the Carbon Black plant, in Shamrock, TX. In the early 80s he opened his own welding business before switching to his carpentry. He continued this until beginning as maintenance/ bus driver of Erick Public Schools, retiring from there in 2007.  James and Sandy moved to Clinton, Oklahoma in 2011 to be closer to family, where he enjoyed gardening, working out in the shop and restoring vintage Studebakers, playing guitar and spending time with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Sandy; and one son, Kenny Downs.

James is survived by his son Todd Downs and wife, Stephanie of Clinton, Ok. A daughter in law, D'Fawn Downs, of Weatherford, Ok; 6 grandchildren and their spouses, 14 great grandchildren; as well as a host of other much loved family and friends.