Jerry Philip Downing

Jerry Philip Downing, 67, was surrounded by family when he took his last breath on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the VA Hospital after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 8, 1947 to the late John “Jack” and Helen Downing and lived in Des Moines, Iowa most of his life.

In 1966, Jerry graduated from Dowling High School. Shortly after graduation, he enrolled in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 1972. Before the end of his service, Jerry received certification to become a police officer but chose a different career path. He retired after 29 years from Yellow Freight Transportation as an Operations Supervisor. For 16 years, Jerry was the owner and part-time driver of Lucky D’s Casino Shuttle. He was a member of the Elks club in Pleasant Hill, IA.

Jerry’s life was full and filled with joy, love, laughter, family and friends. Being musically talented, his life passion was strumming his 12-string acoustic or electric guitar and singing. He entertained so many. In High School he was a guitarist and vocalist for the Chevronairs, a 6-piece band that played in the Des Moines area, at Des Moines Disco Tech and competed in Battle Of The Bands. Forty years had passed since he had played professionally and in 2011/2012 he took the stage once again for an 8 month gig with his daughter Windy, fulfilling an item on his bucket list.

In his younger adult years, he was very involved in his children’s schooling and Jerry became President of the school board for All Saints School. During this time, he was also the mastermind for the annual All Saints Haunted House until the school closed its doors. Through the years he attended many wrestling meets, choir shows, baseball, softball, and football games, mime competitions, and volleyball tournaments. He also coached Little League at Highland Park when his children were young. Into his later adult life, he continued to play a meaningful and active roll in the lives of his children, grandchildren and siblings. He was very proud of all of them.

Boating and camping were his favorite summer activities. Many days and nights were spent at Saylorville Lake, rain or shine, with his family and friends. Around the campfire or in the back of the boat, Jerry would strum his guitar until his fingers were raw and sing until he couldn’t remember any more songs. He was the best entertainer and curious strangers were always welcomed to enjoy the show.

His smile was always waiting to greet, his handshake was forever outreached, and his hugs were plentiful. “Big Jer” had many, many friends.

Jerry is survived by his best friend and wife Margaret “Mimi” M. Downing of 46 years, their six children: Maggie (Keith), Windy (Tyler), Sally (Rusty), Jerry (Niki), Russell (Krista), and Rose; nine grandchildren: Maddisen, Genevieve, Mackenzie, Josephiene, Olivia, Kendyl, Ayden, Ava and Mia; and four siblings: John (Linda) Downing, Jackie (Jack) Downing Brown, Jim (Sue) Downing, Jeff (Becky) Downing; lifelong buddy: Bob Julander; and gobs of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all friends and family for providing food, time, love and support. A special and huge thanks belongs to the incredibly attentive and compassionate VA Hospital ICU and Telemetry nurses, Dr. Miles Sheffer, Dr. Flood, Dr. Alexander, and one very kind Hospice nurse who helped them tremendously the last three days of Jerry’s life.

Jerry’s choice to donate his body to the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine for medical research is the ultimate gift and he will continue to make a difference in hundreds of lives. A party in lieu of a funeral, per Jerry’s request, has been planned for Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 6pm-11pm at the Elks Lodge in Pleasant Hill, 5420 Northeast 12th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50327.

Online condolences can be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com and/or www.facebook.com/jerry.downing.94

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

We have lost our best friend, our party buddy, our favorite musician, our hero. We know you’re jammin’ in heaven and singing your heart out! We love you and miss you terribly.

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