Clarence R. "Jim" Downard

Clarence R. “Jim” Downard, 84, of Steubenville, OH, passed away peacefully, Wednesday December 30, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 12, 1936 in Steubenville, OH, a son of the late John R. and Laura M. (Allmon) Downard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Hazel Hullihen, Mildred Fithen and infant Jesse Downard.

Jim was a journeyman, carpenter and millwright. He retired in July of 1998 from the Stevenson Company in Wellsville, OH where he was a machinist for over 30 years. He was also the proprietor and woodworker in the family business, Family Crafters. He also loved to make things out of wood for his family including a sandbox, playhouse, bunkbeds, dressers, swings, and a sleigh that was hooked up to the family pony one winter and used to pull  the grandkids through the snow throughout the neighborhood. Jim was a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge F&AM #779 in Dayton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding horses with his grandkids. He was a member of the Mingo Sportsman Club and G.K.L. Wildlife Association. Jim was a gunsmith and a firearms dealer; he was also a special deputy sheriff for Jefferson County. Most importantly Jim loved spending time with his devoted family, who have all helped to take care of him the last few years. Anyone that knew him knows he was a true "family man".

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Carol (Thompson) Downard, whom he married August 1, 1959; three children, Lora (Kenneth) Grimes of Mingo Junction, OH, Rebecca (David) Gallagher of Coshocton, OH and John Richard (Ann) Downard, Sr. of Mingo Junction, OH; eight grandchildren, Maureen (Michael) Black, Ashley (Carl) Worwa, Erica (Jonathan) Mesler, Emily (David) Clark, Brad (Alyssa) Gallagher, Haley (Andrew) Brower, Jacob (Kelly) Gallagher and John Richard Downard, Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren.

In following with Jim’s request private services will be held at New Alexandria Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Jim's memory to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943 or online at https://www.valleyhospice.org/ways-to-give-donation-form

Arrangements were entrusted to Wheeler Funeral Homes, Mingo Junction.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

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