James "Jim" Downey

James (Jim) Robert Downey, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Custer Care in Broken Bow, Nebraska.

Jim was born on December 9, 1937, to Paul and Mabel (Kettleborough) Downey in their home in Dale Valley, Nebraska. From 1940 to 1949, the family lived in San Diego, California, before returning to the Downey Homestead. He completed his grade school education in Dale Valley and graduated from Merna High School in 1956.

In 1957, Jim volunteered for the draft and served two years in the United States Army with the 299th Engineers. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Lewis, Washington; Germany; and Beirut, Lebanon.

On September 17, 1960, Jim married his soulmate, Joan M. (Willis) Downey, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Merna, Nebraska. In 1962, Jim and Joan moved a small 18-by-24-foot house from the Sweeney Farm to the Downey Homestead. Together, they built a life and raised seven children in that home. Jim loved carpentry, and as their family grew, he and Joan added several additions to the original house, creating a home that would become the gathering place for generations of the Downey family.

Jim and Joan loved the Downey Homestead and farmed the land for many years until Jim retired in 2009. The farm was more than a place to live and work. It was a place where everyone came together. Jim and Joan were wonderful hosts for Downey family celebrations and always welcomed family and friends to the farm for visits, laughter, stories, and, of course, sweet corn.

Jim was also committed to his community. He served on the Kilfoil Township Board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served for several years as a director of the Farmers Co-Op and as a director and shareholder of the State Bank of Merna before its sale. Through these roles, Jim quietly gave his time, experience, and dedication to helping his community and the people around him.

Jim’s love of carpentry continued throughout his life. He especially enjoyed spending time in his workshop, where he could often be found creating things with his hands. A few of his favorite projects were making wooden canes and wishing wells for family members and people in the community.

Family was at the center of Jim’s life. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved watching his family grow. He was a hardworking, steady, and generous man who believed in family, hard work, and making people feel welcome.

Jim also had a way of enjoying the simple things in life. He loved an ice-cold Pepsi and a bowl of vanilla ice cream, two simple pleasures that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him.

His legacy lives on not only in the family he built, but also in the home, farm, traditions, and memories he created for those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Jim is survived by his children: Michael (Jeanne) Downey of Benkelman, NE; Michaela (A.D.) Hunt of Anselmo, NE; Patricia (John) Rivera of North Platte, NE; John Downey of Broken Bow, NE; Robert (Brenda) Downey of Lincoln, NE; Elizabeth (Joe) Minnick of Washington, UT; daughter-in-law Donna (Pat) Downey of Merna, NE; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Ella Mae Mapel of Reno, NV; brother Mike (Sheila) Downey of Dunning, NE; brother and sister-in-law Burton and Carol Willis of Callaway, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan; son Patrick Downey; parents Paul and Mabel Downey; and siblings Wayne Downey, Mary Kay Price, Richard Downey, Shirley Phifer, and Ed Downey.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, Nebraska. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Dale Valley, near Merna, Nebraska with Military Honors.

A Rosary Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026’ at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, Nebraska.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and from 4 to 6 pm prior to the Rosary Service at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church.

Online words of remembrance and condolences may be shared at www.govierbrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Anselm’s Catholic Church – Rectory and St. Andrew (Dale) Catholic Cemetery.