St. George, UT - After more than seven years missing his sweetheart, John W. Downing, Jr., aka "Grandpa Jack", passed away on November 27, 2012 to join his wife Annie. She died in 2005, just three weeks before their 64 ^th Anniversary.

Jack was born August 13, 1918 to John and Genevieve Downing in Oakland, California. He had one sister, Adele. He grew up during the Depression and graduated from high school in 1936. He attended College for two years, then decided he should work to help his family. He married Annie Bell August 30, 1941. He was working for Southern Pacific Railroad and then Railway Express Agency until 1943 when he was drafted for WWII. He could have been deferred because he had a wife and baby, but he felt it was his duty to serve his country. He was in Company A 261 ^st Field Artillery Battalion. He saw action in Germany, France and The Battle of the Bulge. When the war ended, he returned to his job at Railway Express Agency. He was in corporate sales, in railroad transportation until 1974 when R.E.A. went out of business. He then transitioned to Allied Van Lines and was a Corporate Sales Rep until he retired in 1982. He was proud that he was never unemployed. Then for 20+ years, he and Annie enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with family and grandchildren. They moved to St. George in 2000. The family joined the LDS Church in 1962. Jack loved the Gospel and was so thankful to have found the Truth. He loved missionary work and was always a faithful Home Teacher. He served in various callings including Executive Secretary and Ward Mission Leader. He was always looking for ways to help others. His neighbors will miss him. Jack took walks everyday and still had a drivers license. He lived an independent life right up to the end.

Grandpa Jack is survived by his two daughters: Ann Ledesma of St. George and Jacqueline (Merlin) Reeder of Brigham City, 10 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Jack was a happy person who enjoyed people and life. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. He will be laid to rest with Annie at the National Cemetery in Riverside, California with Military Honors on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.