James Russell Downing

James Russell Downing, 37, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020. He was born Dec. 31, 1982, in Blytheville to John and Sally Skidmore Downing. James was a self-employed diesel mechanic. He loved to hunt and fish.

He is survived by his children, son, Cody Downing of Manila; stepdaughter, Addison Davis of Paragould; daughter, Brooklyn Downing of Paragould; mother and stepfather, Sally Skidmore Handley and Mitchell Handley; two sisters, Krystal Roos (Dustin) of Holly, Mich., and Jennifer Potts (Alan) of Jonesboro; two brothers, Paul Handley (Christina) of Steele, Mo., and Jason Downing (Beth) of Wynne; grandparents, Gene and Charlene Handley of Gosnell; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Downing; grandparents, Lillian Downing, Haggard Downing, Earlene Skidmore, Janie Williams and Jimmy Williams; great-grandmother, Harriet Canada; and a nephew, Levi Nash Potts.

Private services are entrusted to Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials in memory of Levi Potts at www.safeswimfoundation.com.