Obituaries
James A Downing Jr.
April 30, 2026
James A. Downing, Jr., 79, of Groton, VT, passed away April 16, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, with family by his side.
He was born on February 16, 1947, and grew up on the family farm in East Topsham, VT. He attended Newbury High School and Bradford Academy. In 1967 he married the love of his life, Zoa Darling, and together they had two children, James Allen and April. He especially enjoyed vacation trips, camping at Vermont State Parks and family gatherings with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren One of his special memories was a cross country adventure with Zoa in 2010 visiting many states and enjoying the beauty of our country.
He was a member of the New Hampshire National Guards. He retired from the State of Vermont Department of Transportation after 32 years of employment and then became an Orange County Deputy Sheriff and Groton Town Constable. He was a member of the Groton Volunteer Fire Department for many years, a portion of which as Fire Chief. He also served as Town Fire Warden and worked part time for the Groton Highway Department.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James A. Downing Sr. and Isabel (Carbee) Downing, and sister, Anne Downing.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Zoa, of Groton VT; son, James Allen Downing and wife Sara of Wells, MN; daughter, April Anderson and husband Nathan of North Haverhill, NH; granddaughter, Jessica Fiore and husband Todd, and their children Lillian and Chase of North Haverhill, NH; grandson, Brendon Perkins and wife Crystal and their children Maverick and Layla of Groton, VT; sister, Elsie Brown and husband Michael of Bradford, VT and their family; sister, Wilma Dexter and husband Lane of Bradford, VT and their family; and sister, Norma Hatch and her husband Larry of West Topsham, VT and their family Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his much loved German Shepherd, Sophie.
Jim was a kind and gentle soul and very devoted to his family who treasured him greatly. He had a heart of gold that was recognized by all. He had a passion for the community and a lover of animals, especially dogs. He had a unique sense of humor, and took great pleasure in bringing a smile to everyone he met.
His presence and love are going to be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
He was born on February 16, 1947, and grew up on the family farm in East Topsham, VT. He attended Newbury High School and Bradford Academy. In 1967 he married the love of his life, Zoa Darling, and together they had two children, James Allen and April. He especially enjoyed vacation trips, camping at Vermont State Parks and family gatherings with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren One of his special memories was a cross country adventure with Zoa in 2010 visiting many states and enjoying the beauty of our country.
He was a member of the New Hampshire National Guards. He retired from the State of Vermont Department of Transportation after 32 years of employment and then became an Orange County Deputy Sheriff and Groton Town Constable. He was a member of the Groton Volunteer Fire Department for many years, a portion of which as Fire Chief. He also served as Town Fire Warden and worked part time for the Groton Highway Department.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James A. Downing Sr. and Isabel (Carbee) Downing, and sister, Anne Downing.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Zoa, of Groton VT; son, James Allen Downing and wife Sara of Wells, MN; daughter, April Anderson and husband Nathan of North Haverhill, NH; granddaughter, Jessica Fiore and husband Todd, and their children Lillian and Chase of North Haverhill, NH; grandson, Brendon Perkins and wife Crystal and their children Maverick and Layla of Groton, VT; sister, Elsie Brown and husband Michael of Bradford, VT and their family; sister, Wilma Dexter and husband Lane of Bradford, VT and their family; and sister, Norma Hatch and her husband Larry of West Topsham, VT and their family Also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his much loved German Shepherd, Sophie.
Jim was a kind and gentle soul and very devoted to his family who treasured him greatly. He had a heart of gold that was recognized by all. He had a passion for the community and a lover of animals, especially dogs. He had a unique sense of humor, and took great pleasure in bringing a smile to everyone he met.
His presence and love are going to be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
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