Extracted from The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, OK)
Wednesday, February 19, 2014

JAMES DOWNING
Sept. 23, 1927 to Feb. 16, 2014

YUKON - Born to Martha and John Downing in Oklahoma City.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Marge Kroutil Downing. He is also survived by his twins Marca Floyd (Bob) and Deborah Goodman (Jimmy), James F. Downing II (Joanna), Karla Ratchford (Jim) and Brett Wallace. His grandchildren are Allison Buffalo (Josh), Tia Goodman, Todd Goodman (Nicolle), Ryan Floyd (Chrissi), Jeremy, Ben, James, & Corey Downing, Olum Wyatt, Kira Wallace, Heather Hermes (Brad), & Jason and Kim Ratchford. His great grandchildren are Cooper, Carson, Frankie, Cole, Maddox, Kendrix, Hannah, Lucas and Keyon. Also surviving him are his sisters Mary Lou Davis and Charlene Capps, loving nieces and nephews and many loyal friends.

He was predeceased by his first wife Betty Downing, brother J.D. Downing, sister Lahoma Downing, and grandson John David Downing III.

He was a proud member of the Coast Guard at the end of World War II. Also, he was an award-winning salesman (Abernathy Trim, Southwest Wheel & Supply, and Pryor Mfg,) Sooner fan, high school and collegiate wrestling supporter, golfer (Twin Hills & Falconhead Country Clubs), Elder First Christian Church Yukon, OK, volunteer (Rotary Club, 32d Degree Mason, Northeast High school Alum), Caddo Tribal member, gardener, lifelong Democrat and master storyteller.

His funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday at Smith & Turner Mortuary, 201 East Main, Yukon, OK. Private burial will take place before the funeral celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Jay Hancock Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Fund, Yukon High School.

Friends may sign our online guest book at www.smith-turnermortuary.com.