Wendell "Jim" Downs

DOWNS, W. “Jim”, age 77 of Vandalia, passed away January 11, 2018 at the Upper Valley Medical Center Hospice Unit. Jim was born September 30, 1940 in Emery, South Dakota, son of the late Harlan & Mabel Downs. He graduated from Orland High School, in Madison, South Dakota, Class of 1958. Jim was a U.S. Army Veteran and a retired employee of Ohio Bell/AT&T. Jim was an active member with the First Baptist Church in Vandalia for 46 years. He took great pride in his Awana Ministry and working with the children. Jim loved golf and bowling and spending time with his church family. Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Esther; daughter, Rose Downs; sister, Donna Mae Carson (Lance) of Mitchell, SD; brothers, Milo Downs of Lake Benton, MN, and Myron Downs (Clara) of Madison, SD; nieces, nephews, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 18, at First Baptist Church, 140 Elva Ct., Vandalia. Interment with military honors to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on Thursday from 12:00 noon until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Awana Ministry in Jim’s memory. Arrangements by Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.