Rochester businessman, Mr. James "Jimmy" Morton Downs, III, 51, of Rochester passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Lake Manitou from injuries due to a snowmobile accident. On January 9, 1963, Jimmy was born in Rochester to James M. Downs II and Cressia King Downs. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Liz. In May of 1981 with great Zebra pride Jimmy graduated with his class from Rochester High School. During his high school years he played basketball and football. On June 11, 1983, at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, Jimmy and Brenda E. Walters were married. Together they shared over thirty years of life's adventures and raised three handsome sons: Grant, Drake and Evan. The family tree adds a new generation with the anticipated arrival of little Lucy James Downs on Wednesday. Mr. Downs, with his father Jim II, was the co-owner of Rochester's Culligan Soft Water. His memberships include the Grace United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge and he served Manitou Moose Lodge #1107 as past Governor. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jimmy could be seen at the Rochester's Little League diamond, manicuring the field to perfection or coaching his team from third base for nearly three decades. He also was a spark plug for Rochester Youth Football League, helping young athletes realize their dreams on the gridiron. As a father, Jimmy was a great role model for his three sons, coaching them and introducing them to I.U. basketball, frequently taking them to games. He also introduced them to the Cubs as he was a true die-hard fan. In the autumn they all cheered hard for the Chicago Bears. Jimmy embraced life, living it to the fullest. The times he cherished most were spent with his family and close friends. The best of times were spent on the sparkling waters of Lake Manitou, kicking back to relax while taking the boys skiing, pontooning and watching the blazing summer sunset or building a bonfire on Big Island and telling tales under the moonlit skies. Brenda and Jimmy enjoyed get-aways to San Diego to visit the "Meekos," Alan and Julie Young, or to Florida to enjoy the sun and surf with Dave and Chris O'Brien. Jimmy planted flowers each spring to add color to the landscape of his home. From his kitchen command post, Jimmy would prepare the most tender and flavorful prime rib---second to none, for the holidays or special family celebrations. A polite gentleman, full of life, laughter, with twinkling eyes, a contagious smile and charisma that would light up a room, Jimmy leaves a wonderful legacy for his family, many, many friends and our entire community to remember. He was excited with his family, at the thought of adding a new generation and a little girl to ice it. They all look forward with great anticipation to the arrival of sweet little Lucy James Downs. Left to cherish Jimmy's memory are his wife Brenda; three sons: Grant Downs and wife Sara, Drake Downs, Evan Downs; father Jim Downs and wife Cheryl; his in-laws Lloyd and Linda Walters, all of Rochester; a sister Liz Muhlada and husband Andy of Lawenceburg; 2 sisters-in-law: Natalie Negreros and husband Dr. Francisco of Warsaw, Diane Ansbach and husband John of Logansport; 3 brothers-in-law: Dr. Todd Walters and wife DeDe of Westfield, Tim Walters and wife Julie of Brownsburg, Perry Walters of Westfield; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends he made along life's journey. Preceding Jimmy in death is his mother Cressia Downs in March of 1987. Rev. Maurice Grindle will officiate services. On behalf of Jimmy, the family requests casual dress.