Jim Downs was one of my favorite teachers, while I went to Arlington high school (class of '80). I was in his Driver's Ed and a Guitar class. Several years ago, I was happily surprised to discover he was the supervisor of the Colton Joint unified school district,  as my husband and I were involved in volunteering at our daughters' schools. It was nice seeing him at meetings, and talking about AHS. 
My sincerest condolences to his family. 

My heart breaks for Natalie, Kim and Bobby. Jim was such a positive influence in my life. He was loved by my entire family. We all spent many hours together during my high school years. He taught me what hard work and team work could produce. He always told us there was no "I" in the word team. We had many successful shows as the "Golden Pride of Riverside", memories I will always hold dear and Jim was at the center of those great times. He was like a second father to me and many others. He was a great caring man, who loved his family wholeheartedly, and that love carried out to many lucky friends as well. I am so grateful for his support when my mom passed. His kind and thoughtful words always brought a smile to my heart. I am honored to have had known him and my life was much fuller with him in it. Rest in peace Jim, until we meet again.  

He was so loyal to us all.  When I worked for Jim, he once came over to me and said, “Walk with me, I’ve been thinking of hiring *******, talk to me.”  I said “Well, if you don’t hire him, somebody else will.” he said, “that’s what need to know.”

I met Jim through his best friend Dave, we all hung out together when we were teenagers then when we all got married we hung out as families. Our kids played together and and became friends. As all of us eventually went our separate ways we still stayed in touch. I always felt Jim would be the one who would do great things and he sure did. His family and friends are so proud of him and all his accomplishments but more then this they are proud to be his family and experience all the great love he possessed. Jim I will miss how you could always make everyone laugh and your great stories some true some a little off the wall. I will hold you in my heart forever until the day we meet again my friend rest in peace.

Jim was my high school band director for my freshman, sophomore and junior years. He was like a second father to me and a great mentor during that time. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him after I transferred to another high school my senior year. Thankfully, however, we reconnected via Facebook in 2010 and begin to meet in person periodically after I finished grad school. As a result, Jim and Natalie attended my wedding in 2014. He was a great father, husband and friend, who was  extremely proud of his children and wife, who he regularly spoke highly of. I felt sad when he entered into his eternal reward, and then I reminded myself that we'll have all eternity to catch up when we see each other again! Goodbye my friend! You were loved by many and you will dearly be missed. My life was fuller because you were in it! Rest-in-peace and God bless you, "Big Jim!"

I met Jim when my son joined the Arlington marching band. My wife and I became deeply involved with the booster band club.For years our friendship grew and became life long friends. Jim was a shining star 🌟 in the dark of night. Never without a smile and joke. One hell of a human being. Never!!! To be forgotten by anyone who new him. Candy and  I are truely sadden by his passing.

I knew Jim from Arrowview Jr High.  He was in several classes with me.  He used to tease me a bit about my name.  Really sorry to hear of his passing.  My condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Downs was my principal at Bloomington High School.  As a student there, I had ample opportunity to interact with him.  He was a regular at all school functions (especially baseball games), and was a positive role model for the student body.  Mr. Downs always made it a point to see how I was doing in school and was always willing to give me pointers on my swing.  As a result of these experiences, I decided to become an educator as well.  I also had the  opportunity to work with Mr. Downs for 9 years in the Colton Joint Unified School District.  It was here I was able to see all of his amazing qualities of leadership and he was a mentor to me as I worked through my career in education.  He was always willing to take a phone call or go out to lunch to discuss work or family.  I was truly blessed to have known Mr. Jim Downs.  Godspeed sir.... and thank you for always believing in me!

I first met Jim when he was my assistant principal at Bloomington High School.  After graduation, I began working in HR at Colton Joint Unified School District, and Jim moved over to Washington Alternative High School, followed by Admin Services. This was the beginning of our friendship. Several years later, he moved to HR to be over Employee Relations. He was the greatest boss ever. When he became the Assistant Superintendent of HR we continued our friendship. He was not only my friend, but a mentor. He helped me navigate a divorce and supported me as a single mom, and when I decided to marry again. He further supported me as I searched for a new job out of town. When I decided to return to school to become a teacher, there he was again offering support, guidance and friendship. When I applied for my M.Ed program, he willingly offered a letter of recommendation. I have learned so much from this gentle giant over the years. He is one of my dearest friends, a mentor, a guide, an example, and my boss. I love him with all my heart. I will never forget him and all he stood for and represented. We loved talking about Jimmy Buffet and  marching bands. I loved his sense of humor and his passion. He will be missed by so many. My life is enriched for knowing him, and I am who I am today because of him. I love you, Jimmy D - rest in peace until we meet again.

Jim and I worked together at Bloomington High School when I was hired as his Assistant Principal.  Under his leadership, the school earned a six-year accreditation.  His continual support made my transition from classroom teacher to Assistant Principal seamless.  He gave me responsibilities, which I completed to meet his strict standards as an administrator.  When I was named Principal at Washington Alternative High School, he became my mentor.   We would meet for lunch on many occasions to share concerns about life and administration.  Jim was very encouraging.  After we both retired, we would see each other off and on, and I became aware of the physical difficulties he was fighting.  He spirit was always upbeat even though he was suffering.

He was one of the good guys, and he will be missed by a lot of people.  He loved his family!

Jim was such a great guy to have around . Our families would go camping together.  Jim just loved our mother’s cooking . My sister Joan and I would take our kids trick treating by Jim and Natalie’s house and they would always have a special candy bag for the kids and a “adult” beverage for us parents . I enjoyed seeing him once a month for his hair cut appointment and talking about all those band /drill team days . I will miss you Jim but I know that you are being well taken care of in heaven . Love you and your family always .

I am so very blessed to have had Jim in my life. He was an amazing person and I knew he was always just a phone call away.   Jim was very special to me and will always have a place in my heart.   I am so very sad and I miss him very much.  Until we meet again My friend.   My love and prayers to Natalie,  Bobby and Kim.

A great man who will be dearly missed.  I was fortunate to work with Mr. Downs at Colton Joint Unified School District.  He was a tremendous leader and a mentor to many, including myself.  His larger-than-life personality, fantastic sense of humor, and his unwaivering commitment to the students he served will stay with those who were blessed to serve along side him.   Rest in peace, good Sir.  Until we meet again.

Jim was bigger than life himself. Everywhere he went you would know that Jim Downs was there. He was a wonderful father to his children. He will truly be missed May God be with his wife Natalie and Children to get through these hard times.

Jim was a wonderful  man,  so intelligence  & such a Great  sense  of humor! Met Jim through Judy Diebold at Riverside  Hair Co. We had so many good talks & Laughs  ! My Prayers  go out to his wife & family  ! May he Rest  In Peace  in Heaven  !

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Andrew Downs

9 mai 1951 – 19 mars 2019

Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery

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