James E. Downing, 89, of Manchester, the husband of 55 years to Jean (Costello) Downing died on Wednesday March 11, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Willimantic, he was the son of Albert and Margaret (Turner) Downing. A lifelong resident of Manchester, he graduated from Manchester High School in 1938. He was a veteran of World War II having served with distinction in the U.S. Army 816th Signal Service Company, European Theatre. Jim retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1982 after 35 years of service as a letter carrier and was also a member of Branch 86 Letter Carriers. A member of the Manchester Senior Center, Jim enjoyed his Tuesday afternoons as an art instructor and looked forward to Mondays where he was the Au Plein Leader of a wonderful group of artists. He was a member of the Manchester Art Association, an inductee of the Manchester Arts Council Hall of Fame, and an honorary member of the Tolland Art Association. He was an active member of the St. Bartholomew's Church community. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children James E. Downing, Jr. and his wife Kathleen, Therese Miodonka and her husband Michael, Claire Downing, Nancy Downing CND, Brent Downing and his wife Deanna, and Kathleen Moule and her husband Gary; many precious grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his two brothers Albert Downing, Jr. and George Downing, his sister Margaret Dilworth along with many nieces, nephews and other loved ones. Jim's family would like to offer a special thanks to his caregivers, Jessie Fuentes and his granddaughter, Becky Smith for all of their love and care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (March 17th) 11 am at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike, Manchester. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Bartholomew Maintenance Fund (Garden Fund), 736 Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06040 or to a charity of the donor's choice. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.