James “Jim” L. Downey, 89, of Lakeland, Florida passed away at his home on February 6, 2016. He was born in Newark, Ohio and moved to this area from Wisconsin eleven years ago. Jim had worked as a General Contractor and was a veteran of the Navy serving during World War II. He was a member of Resurrection Church, First United Methodist Church, V.F.W., American Legion, and the Talbot House.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ritchey, and a son, Bob Hill. He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Downey, children: Kathy (Bill) Sulich, Judith (Dennis) Hankins, Jim (Sue) Downey, David Downey, John (Donna) Downey, Steven Downey, Larry (Tracy) Hill, Gary (Diane) Hill, Mike (Sharon) Hill, and daughter-in-law, Corrine Hill, sixteen grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida.
