John Lewis (Jack) Downey |
| Posted 2009-04-22 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, April 21, 2009 John Lewis "Jack" Downey, born in Phoenix, Ariz., on June 22, 1924, died after a protracted illness on April 18, 2009. He will be remembered as a tremendous character who led a full and well-examined life. He enjoyed success as an athlete, a soldier, a businessman, a community leader and as a family man. He attended the University of Wyoming on a basketball scholarship, culminating in victory in the National Collegiate Championships in 1943 at Madison Square Garden. Jack then joined the army and served in the Second World War on the front line in France, Germany and Belgium. He was awarded the American Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign and Good Conduct Medals. Having proudly served his country, he completed his college degree in business at Arizona State College (now ASU) in 1950. Jack settled in Tucson and started a family. During the 1960s and 1970s Jack and his partners built the insurance firm of Snodgrass, Lovitt, Downey and Touche into the largest Arizona-based insurance agency, with Jack becoming chairman in 1980. He pioneered the use of IT in the insurance business and built strong relationships with industry leaders on an international scale. Jack was an avid tennis player and helped to organize the American Airlines Professional Tennis tournaments at the Tucson Racquet Club, involving top-seeded tennis players such as Stan Smith and Arthur Ashe. Jack was instrumental in setting up the first Special Education Program for the Tucson Unified School District with Dr. Laura Ganoung and business colleague George Rosenburg. This program blossomed into what is now the Myers/Ganoung Exceptional Education and Elementary School, which provides self-contained classes for children with MIMR/MOMR and multiple disabled students from 5-13 years of age. In retirement, Jack and his wife Linda enjoyed traveling the nation in their motor home, accompanied by their beloved golden retrievers. Jack was a man of integrity and quiet bravery who retained a zest for life to the very end. He could speak knowledgeably on sports, current affairs and business and maintained a strong connection with every generation of his extended family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughters Victoria (Darrel), Bonnie (Robin) and Carol (Mike); sons Stephen and Tim (Barb); his grandchildren, Justin (Kendra), Sarah, David, Erin (David), Max, Palmer, Zoe, Maria and Dash; and his great-grandchildren, Troy, Aiden, Elijah and Noah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: Myers/Ganoung Elementary School (Exceptional Education Program), 5000 E. Andrew St., Tucson, Ariz., 85711; Yavapai Exceptional Industries, 436 N. Washington, Prescott, Ariz., 86301; or United Animal Friends, P.O. Box 11133, Prescott, Ariz., 86304. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2009, at the Hampton Funeral Home, 240 South Cortez, Prescott, Ariz. Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Home. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Jack's guestbook. Information provided by survivors. |
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