Jerry Philip Downing
February 09, 2015
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.
Rocky Agan
02/17/2015
Dear Mimi, you probably don't remember me but you and Jerry, Vic and Jeanie Ruff,Bob and Jenna Brownell and me and my wife, would go out to eat every so often. I worked at 3M in Knoxville. I was new to the Transportation industry and Jerry assisted me quite often. He was a great guy and I fondly remember the pride you two had when talking about your children...and rightfully so. I miss the industry to this day because of people like Jerry. I know that God will care for you and your family at this time.
Clarice Steinbach
02/16/2015
To the Downing family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My heart aches for you. I miss my dad everyday. God Bless.
Matthew N Kelly DeFord
02/15/2015
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and I know he is in a place there is no pain and can watch over you. Again we are very sorry if you need anything Sally you have our number we will be there...
Janet (Shuey) Byles
02/13/2015
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. I know it is hard for the rest of you, but now he can make music for all of us that have gone before him. Love and prayers to all.
Judy Burns
02/13/2015
Jackie - so sorry. We talked a little about brothers and how important they can be. And I remember reading somewhere Maya Angelou said "No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again and bring the dawn." Love and prayers to you and your family.
Scott Jayne
02/12/2015
Jerry was a wonderful man, father, husband and friend. He will be dearly missed by many. Jerry always had a bigger than life smile on his face and always went out of his way to make others feel good. My thoughts and prayers to Mimi and the kids.
Terry and Mary Fosselman
02/12/2015
We are so sorry to hear Jerry lost his battle. Tom and Jerry reunited in 2012 to entertain us all and they are now entertaining all those that have left us. Our condolences go out to your family.
Robert Brownell
02/12/2015
Jerry was one of the best guys I've ever known. Good hearted and big-hearted at the same time. He was completely devoted to family, but always saw the humor in all their various situations. I loved working with Jerry at Yellow. I used to goad him into telling me about his "adventures" loading bombs onto airplanes while in Thailand, for delivery somewhere in North Vietnam...or points south. Let's put it this way, the Air Force bomb loaders weren't always 100% sober or focused on what they were doing. It resulted in some hilarious stories. I still laugh when I think about it. Particularly the way Jerry told the tall tales. The world is a little darker today without Jerry Downing. Which, frankly, would disappoint him. He really liked seeing people be happy. RIP, dear friend! We'll meet again.
Bob and Kathy Speer
02/12/2015
Sally we are sending our heartfelt sympathy for you and all your family. God has taken another great person way to soon to be in his band. Jam away!
Rita
02/12/2015
My prayers for Jerry's family. I did not know him personally but know Jackie and the love she had for Jerry. May you find a sense of peace and know that Jerry is with the band in heaven.
Jim Downing
02/12/2015
Mimi and family,
The last couple years have been difficult. You have all been so supportive of Jerry's needs. I am forever grateful to have spent quality time with Jerry through his battle. That's what brothers are for. We enjoyed that time with unspoken realization that it may be our last opportunity. What a guy, what a friend, what a brother he was to me. To have witnessed the support his family gave over the last couple of months was priceless. Especially Mimi. You were his angel. Now he is yours. May your memories of good times far exceed your sadness of him passing. RIP my brother. We shall meet again !
Lisa
02/12/2015
i didn't know Jerry, but Jackie shared many wonderful stories about her brother. Jerry is with the Angels in a beautiful, peaceful place. God bless Jerry and his family. My prayers are with you all.
Cathy dakovich-jones
02/11/2015
jer was an awesome man
I was lucky to know him trough the elks lodge. Rip jerry
xoxo to your family
Connie Fanselow
02/11/2015
Thinking of you and wishing you peace. I hope you are comforted by your memories and each other.