James Leslie "Jim" Downing, Sr. was born in the rural community of Brookville, PA on December 6,1934. In his early teenage years, he moved with his family to Chicago IL. Then, in his sophomore year in high school he enlisted in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He served in the 8th Army Ordnance and earned the National Defense Medal.

Upon coming home, Jim began a sales career in life insurance. He climbed the ladder of success and became an Executive with Combined Insurance Company. He rose each morning with a positive mental attitude philosophy of W. Clement Stone. It became natural for him to not only sell, but to lead and to motivate men no matter where they came from.

He will be remembered as a caring man, impeccably dressed, smoking a marsh wheeling cigar. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was an animal lover. Jim's spirit carries within those that knew him that "if you are not having fun, then what's the point?"

Jim presented keen skills by playing innocent yet hilarious pranks when least expected. "Let me show you how a match burns twice" to selling a casket by lying in it playing dead. "You know people are dying to get in here."

He is survived by his daughter Amanda Downing and son James Downing Jr.  Natalie Rose is their mother. Nadine Pennington was his partner for the later years of his life. James Sr. died of complications of Covid in Lexington, KY.

A memorial service will be held 12 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jason Tackett officiating.  Burial will follow at the Pennington Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com