James Jim Edward Dowd Sr.

Jim was born on January 13, 1938 in Wetumpka, Alabama, the second son of George and Nellie Dowd.

As a young man and continuing through all his days, Jim lived a full and varied life. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany and during his enlistment worked with Wernher von Braun on the nation's first missile project, which led to the development of the space program.

Jim also served as a firefighter, house painter and later worked for years as bookstore and auxiliary manager at Jackson State Community College. He eventually retired from Reichhold in 2003.

Jim loved God and was a devoted scholar of the Holy Word. He was a member of Meridian Baptist Church and enjoyed many years teaching Sunday School, as well as classes on the Old and New Testaments and Revelation.

In addition to being a Godly man, Jim loved his family and cherished time spent with them above all else. Although he frequently - albeit good naturedly - described them as a motley crew, his favorite thing in the world was to be surrounded by his colorful bunch.

Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy; four children, James E. Dowd, Jr., Brenda Briley (Robert), Dwight Collins (Kayla), and Jamie Wimberley (Shane); grandchildren Trebor and Jennifer Briley; Ally, Abby, Chase and Seven Collins; Logan, Claire and Christian Wimberley; and several nieces, nephews and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George W. Dowd IV.

Services will be on Saturday at George A. Smith & Sons South Chapel, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and a memorial service following at 3 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Guatemala Mission Trip, Meridian Baptist Church, 161 Harts Bridge Road, Jackson, TN 38301.

George A. Smith and Sons

South Chapel

(731) 427-5555