James Pierce (Jim) Downey, 84, of West Hills, California died Friday, March 23, 2012. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on August 28, 1927 to the late James Pierce Downey and Emma Mae Edwards Downey. He graduated with a degree in economics from Harvard University. James served our country and was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon. James worked 35 years at Prudential Life Insurance starting out as an accountant and later serving as vice president of finance for their western region. Jim was always active including all state in track during high school, competing on the Harvard crew team and being an avid tennis player. Jim and his wife, Ruth, loved to travel around the world to destinations such as Greece, Italy, France, Germany, England, Scotland and his home country of Ireland. He engaged in many youth activities including the Boy Scouts of America and teaching religious education classes for the Catholic Church.
James Downey is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Downey; five children, Kathy Lancaster of Danville, Ca, Ellen Cooper of Simi Valley, Ca, Christopher Downey of West Hills, Ca, Sara Torres of Rochester, Mn and Anne Downey of West Hills, Ca, and ten grandchildren – Matthew, Elizabeth, Andrew, Brian, Emma, Ryan, Lauren, Joshua, Justine and Nathaniel.
A Mass of the Resurrection was held Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at St John Eude’s Catholic Church in Chatsworth, California with Father William McLean officiating.
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