James N. Downing

James N. Downing, 94 of West Deer Township, died Thursday December 7, 2017. He was born August 9, 1923 in Pittsburgh to the late Nelson E. and Marie H. (Harrison) Downing. Jim grew up in the Etna area. He served his country during WWII in the US Army seeing action in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters receiving 4 bronze service stars. When Jim returned from the war he went to work for Roessing Bronze Company in Shaler and moved with the company to the Mars area. He worked for them as a scrap metal sorter for over 35 years. He was a former member of the Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Valencia, a life member of West Deer VFC #3, where he served as the Fire Police Captain for over 25 years. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and especially spending time at the fire hall.

Survivors include his daughter Sandra E. (Norm) Miller with whom he lived, 7 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, his sister Jane Horner of Richland and his half-sister Diane Smith of Etna.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Dressel) Downing, sons Edward and James Downing, his brothers Charles and William Downing, his sister Shirley Link and his companion of over 20 years Emma McKinney.

Family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM in the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer where funeral services will be conducted Monday 10 AM with the Rev. Ozzie Kenyon, officiating. He will be laid to rest with full military honors, next to his wife in Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Indiana Township. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to West Deer VFC #3, 3472 Gibsonia Rd. Gibsonia, PA 15044. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com

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