James L. Downing OBITUARY
James L. Downing OBITUARY
James (Jimmy) Lightfoot Downing (77) loving husband, Father and Grandfather passed away on 9/11/2024. Jimmy was born 9/18/1946 to the late Margaret Lightfoot and Charles (Tommy) Downing, Jr. He was predeceased by his 2 brothers: Thomas Downing & Charles Albert Downing III & son-in-law Vincent Massara.
Jimmy graduated Maury High School in 1964. Shortly after, he developed a passion for painting cars alongside his father in the family business, Tommy Downing’s Garage. He was a 30-year avid golfer and traveling to new places with family became his lifestyle. He loved being on the water aboard the ‘Jayne D’ with his father and family members along with yearly family trips to the OBX. Like his dad before him, Jimmy had the best personality and never knew a stranger, with half of Norfolk being his friend. He really enjoyed his 50’s music and Elvis Presley.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 49 years MaryLou Downing, daughters Sue Howard (Jim), Leslie Massara, Jennifer Williamson (Chad) and son Eric Downing. Sister Jayne Forchas (Dean), 2 nephews Pete and Tom Forchas and niece Amy Donahoe. Was Big Daddy to 10 grandchildren Christopher Padron, Parker and Brooke Howard, Jaxon Williamson, Erin, Payton, Jamie, Emma, Charlie and Eric Jr. 5 great-grandchildren and countless other family members and friends – especially Brian Hatfield.
A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Monday 9/16/2024 with the celebration of life being held on Tuesday 9/17/2024. Both will be conducted at H.D. Oliver, 1501 Colonial Ave, Norfolk. Burial at Forest Lawn will follow. Online condolences can be made to the family at hdoliver.com.
