James Steven “Jimmy” Downs, Sr., 73 of Avenue, MD passed away on December 10, 2020 at Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata, MD with his family at his side.
Jimmy was born on February 26, 1947 in Washington, D.C. to Catherine Louise (Mattingly) Downs Binger of LaPlata, MD and the late George Thomas Downs.
Jimmy was a hardworking man all of his years, was involved in several organizations and enjoyed various hobbies. He graduated from Suitland High School in 1966. On May 20, 1972, he married Patricia Ann Reed in Oxon Hill, MD. Together they celebrated over 48 wonderful years of marriage. Just after high school he was employed as a mechanic for Coleman Cadillac in Bethesda, MD followed by Capital Cadillac until 1979. He then relocated to St. Mary’s County, where he was the owner and operator of Avenue General Store from 1979 to 1989. During his time at “the store”, he formed countless relationships with customers and vendors, many of which grew into meaningful, long-lasting friendships. He could be found working there 7 days a week behind the counter. In 1989 he resumed his career as an auto mechanic until he retired in 2013 from St. Mary’s County Government Department of Transportation.
Jimmy enjoyed visiting his maternal grandmother’s Civil War era farm in Oldtown, Maryland and spending time at his father’s farm in Avenue where he helped grow and cut tobacco. His talents included being a self-taught, skilled woodworker who built beautiful quilt racks, wall décor, and a detailed replica of the Hayden House where he previously lived in Abell, Maryland. He had a love and appreciation for animals, including feeding the squirrels and birds. His interests included learning about coins and being a member of the St. Maries Coin Club with his daughter Stacey, and being a history buff with an expertise in the Civil War.
In addition to his mother and beloved wife, Jimmy is survived by his children, Stacey Lee Suite (Joseph) of Clements, MD and James Steven Downs, Jr. of Avenue, MD; his granddaughter, Kimberly Elizabeth Orofino (Philip) of Lyndhurst, NJ; his stepfather Jim Binger; his sisters Mary Ann Jordan of California, MD and Karen Sanders (Bobby) of Forestville, MD; his lifelong friend John Ours; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, George Thomas Downs, maternal grandparents James Clyde Mattingly and Grace Mattingly Scott, step maternal grandfather Harold Scott, and paternal grandparents Stephen Downs and Mary Agnes Hall Downs.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service celebrated by Reverend Joe Orlando at 1:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed from the Brinsfield website. Interment is private.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. Mary’s County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 921, Hollywood, MD 20636, the Bay Community Support Services, 25410 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636, or the Helpful Hooves Equine Therapy, 38520 Ah Ha Lane, Avenue, MD 20609.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
