James "Jim" Downing's Obituary
James "Jim" Downing joined the U.S. Army as a teenager. He soon became a medic and repaired medical equipment. He was stationed in many places across the U.S. and overseas, including Okinawa, Japan. After serving over 20 years, he and his family settled in Leesville, Louisiana, after being stationed at Fort Polk in 1974.
He soon started a family business in the mid-1970s, naming it "Downing and Sons", offering appliance repair services. He quickly gained a reputation of fairness and honesty, always putting his customers first for over 40 years.
Family gatherings were always something he looked forward to. He loved to play cards, Back Alley, being his favorite. And, of course a crawfish boil whenever possible! During his family time, he would have classic country music playing in the background for everyone to enjoy.
Anyone who anything about him could tell you that he was baseball fan. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved to watch his Red Birds play whether it was on TV or going to the ballpark with family to watch them on the diamond.
He loved to drive and he traveled anywhere and everywhere with his wife, Florence, the love of his life for 52 years. With her by his side, they traveled through the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, beautiful sequoias in California, all the way to the Florida Keys, and many places in between. It didn't matter where they went, as long as they were together.
He was the backbone of his family, and his family always looked to him for guidance, wisdom, and encouraging words that he provided. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife Florence Mrytle Downing; his parents James and Ossie Downing; sister Beverly Downing; sons James Downing III, Paul Fisher Jr., Dale Fisher, James Fisher, and daughter Debra Downing.
He is survived by his two sons Gary Fisher and Darrell (Monika) Downing; grandchildren Eric (Haley) Fisher, Erica Fisher, Jenny Smith, Dale Fisher Jr., Ricky Blake, Christa Tyler, Erick Blake, Breanna Rowe, Dakota Downing, Kalei Downing, Natailia Downing, and Clara Downing; great grandchildren Austin Fisher, Ollie Fisher, Annie Fisher, Gracie (Jay) Walker, Darrian Dixon, Libby Smith, Ryder Smith, Dale Fisher III, Kaleb Blake, Courtney Blake, Cody Tyler, Brian Tyler, Naomi Tyler, and Nathan Blake; great great grandchildren Flori Walker and Luke Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, with Bro. Author Judkins and Bro. Gary Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosepine Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10th from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at https://www.labbymemorialfh.com
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