I first met Fr. Jim Downs during a season of diocesan consolidation, when I was interviewing clergy and parishioners about their hopes and fears as parishes prepared to merge. Fr. Downs stood out immediately, not because he was polished or impressive in the conventional sense, although it was always clear that he was very wise, but because he was... See more

He guided us in prayer, he laughed with us, and he wept with us. The most intelligent, witty, warm hearted, generous

Fr. Downs’ love of singing enriched the “Folk Group” at St. Joseph the Worker Parish. He would preside at one mass then sing with us “the Folk Group” at the next. I encouraged him to sing “My People” at the 12th Station of the Cross with Paulette “Skip” Smulick accompanying him on guitar. It was so awe inspiring! To this day when I attend the... See more

He was the first priest that made me realize priests were human and he was always ready to have a talk, not as a a clergy that spoke to you as a superior, but as a friend with a wisdom and faith that helped walk many through this life.

Fr. Downs was known for his wit, wisdom, generosity, and love of music and singing.

Fr. Downs served as Chaplain at the Youth Development Center in New Castle, PA from 1979 until 1995. Along with Joan Aquino, Fr. Downs initiated a drug and alcohol recovery program for youth.

Fr. Downs served as Chaplain to the Motherhouse of the Villa Maria Community of Sisters from 1981 until 1995. During this time, he served as Chaplain to the high school students at Villa Maria High School. There, he was able to fulfill a life-long dream of acting in several musicals. He starred as Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof and as Mr. Bumble in... See more