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In Memory of

George Jay Downing

1934 - 2022

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Monday

December

Visitation atMain Service

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Monday, December 12, 2022

Church of the Latter-Day Saints

259 Lambs Rd

Sewell, New Jersey, United States

Get Directions

Monday

December

Funeral Service

11:00 am

Monday, December 12, 2022

Church of the Latter-Day Saints

259 Lambs Rd

Sewell, New Jersey, United States

Get Directions

Monday

December

Final Resting Place

12:30 pm

Monday, December 12, 2022

Gloucester Co. Veteran's Mem. Cem.

Tuckahoe Rd.

Williamstown, New Jersey, United States

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Beverly Guy lit a candle

Sunday, January 8, 2023

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Beverly Guy uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, January 8, 2023

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Dearest family of George Downing…. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss of your precious Dad! What an awesome and fabulous man and dear friend he was! I was blessed to have him for my history teacher back in 1966-67 at Pitman High School. He really made learning history fun and exciting! I reconnected with him many years later on Facebook and am so glad I did! We kept in touch over the years, and I was so thrilled when I invited him and his beautiful wife Sherry to our 1970 50th class reunion that they both came! It was so wonderful to see him again and talk to him in person! We even got him in our class picture that day! Such an awesome time we all had reminiscing with him! He was very kind and gifted me with his fantastic book “The Road to Summertown” years ago and even autographed it for me….. I was truly honored! I am so very sorry for his passing, but know how happy he is to be together again with his love Sherry! They were the absolute sweetest couple ever! I will cherish all my precious memories of him! He will definitely be missed by all of us who loved and adored him! Rest In Peace my favorite teacher and very dearest friend George! Till we meet again! With my deepest sympathies, Beverly Guy

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Debbie Diem-Martin posted a condolence

Friday, December 16, 2022

I had the honor and joy of having ‘Mr Downing’ as my history teacher at Pitman High School in 1966-67. He was inspiring and encouraging. One of my favorite teachers of all time. He brought learning alive Debbie Diem-Martin

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Linda Canonica posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

I was fortunate to know and work with Professor Downing at Gloucester County College. He was a wonderful man and great teacher. In addition to helping students learn, he was generous sharing his time and talents with the college community. I have fond memories of him and especially appreciated meeting him as a new teacher in 1992.

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Ken & Jacqui Kudrick posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

Patriarch Downing will be missed by his Family and thousands of others he has touched . He was the kindest man I’ve even known He was an excellent teacher and a very devoted to his family and many in the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LDS. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel so comfortable. He was a teacher, a Bishop, a Patriarch, most of all he was our friend whom we loved, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant”Matt 23:11 “Till we meet again” my friend.

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Michael Fekete posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

George was a wonderful man. I was always happy to hear from him. He was truly a man of God; and much wisdom. I first met him as a student at Gloucester County College in General and Child Psychology. About 7 years later I attended an LDS wedding reception and my second cousin showing me a copy of The Book of Mormon, I had a missionary discussion. I decided to attend the LDS Church near my home at the time which was the Sewell Ward. To my surprise George was there as a member! We immediately were reacquainted and he opened his home up to me; to be taught the Gospel. And 23 years ago he baptized me a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am pleased to have called him a mentor, teacher, and friend

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stephanie Burns posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

Mr Downing was a breath of fresh air at Pitman High School. I was lucky enough to have him as my home room teacher, as well as took courses from him in history. His innovative style of teaching captured my attention and to this day, helped me remember his lessons. Who else who teach world history by making us draw it on scroll timeline to illustrate how short of a time the US has been in existence, compared to China, Greece, etc.? Who else would take us on a walking tour of Philadelphia AND Pitman and see it with new eyes? Who else would play music that we liked? Who else would tell us stories of his wifes' pregnancies that lasted a bit longer than the usual 9 months? Who else was so wise as to compare democracy to a sailboat, tacking left and right: From afar it seemed to be going in a straight line, but not so, close up--all to give us hope as we saw current events unfold? He was a wise old soul even at a young age I am so so sorry for the loss of your father, but so so glad we will see each other again and that he is with his beloved now. Rest in Peace GJD. Well done.

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Valerie Wharton posted a condolence

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Heartfelt condolences to all of his family. George was my home room teacher in Pitman. He always took such an interest in the students there and found ways to share his wisdom in ways we might listen. He was the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I knew growing up. We reconnected after my conversion 40 years later. I know his service to thise around him continues with joy as he is reunited with his dear wife Sherry. He will be missed.

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Mjk uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, December 11, 2022

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Sorry for your loss. George J. Downing will be remembered as a great influence. As he was when he visited with the Pitman High School Class of 1970 at their 50th reunion in the fall of 2021

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Beverly Guy lit a candle

Sunday, December 11, 2022

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Jake Lake posted a condolence

Saturday, December 10, 2022

We knew George thru our membership in the Sewell Ward. Even as he struggled with his own health issues and the loss of his wife he always looked out for the less fortunate, the infirm and those under his stewardship. I had the pleasure of listening to him recount stories from his rich life and sharing experiences that were faith building. I’m certain he was happy to be reunited with his sweetheart and will continue to perform service to others beyond the veil. Condolences to the entire Downing family and may they be comforted in knowing their father’s was a life well-lived.

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Connie Weitlauf posted a condolence

Saturday, December 10, 2022

George and Sherry were instrumental in my baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1972, 50 years ago. They graciously welcomed us into their home many times, thus I know their seven wonderful children as well. The gospel of Jesus Christ, and my children, are the most important things in my life. I thank George and Sherry for their love, example, and patience. They have been a sweet, gentle influence in my life ever since. I picture George smiling as he seamlessly slips to the other side of the veil to be greeted by Sherry. My thoughts are with you, Tom, Missy, Laurie, Jerry, Cindy, Richie, and Beth. Connie (Wood) Weitlauf

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Thalia Andrus Taylor posted a condolence

Friday, December 9, 2022

George is beloved by multitudes; they are all individuals —as individuals—that he taught, coaxed, blessed, shared, understood, and consoled. My dad, George, Érica, and I sang at a church “quartet festival.” I learned the alto part for “How Great Thou Art.” That is when I learned that song. I must have been 10 years old. I remember what I was wearing… a white turtleneck and a pink skirt. Erica wore the same thing. Later we would sing this song with others, but that was the first time. Expression of testimony in a beautiful hymn… George was part of that. He is a kin spirit to my father and the apostle Peter. He is a rock! May the Downing family old and young, big and small, here and there —all know that all people and spirits raise their voices in joy having known George Downing!

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MIKE (Eva Machelle) Schultz posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, December 9, 2022

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I not only had him as my Bishop, but also my professor in college as well as my Patriarch for many years. He was so knowledgeable and wise and yet humble and meek. Everyone absolutely loved him. I knew if I was to ask him anything I would receive the truth in a Christ-like fashion. I remember taking his class, he was very serious yet very just.. He made sure that what we were learning was going to stick. I really like that, work integrity is important to me and he was full of work integrity. I remember spreading the information I learned from his class with everyone I could. it was my favorite class. I remember receiving my Patriarchal blessing from him and without knowing my background, he mentioned specific things that was able to give me closure and peace. He was such a righteous man. He was able to feel the spirit every time he had to give a Patriarchal blessing. I know this because I had the honor of attending numerous people's blessing. He was a blessing in my life and I always honored him and respected him because of the goodness he had inside of him. Knowing he was upon the Earth made the Earth a little bit better.

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William R. James uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, December 8, 2022

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It cannot be overstated the influence that George had on me, my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and enormous numbers of extended family. December 7th was a day we knew was coming, and both dreaded it and embraced it. His crossing over, I have no doubt, was welcomed with trumpets. He was among the most amazing men I have ever known. Someone to admire and emulate. I look forward to seeing him again on the other side.

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Thalia Andrus Taylor Posted Dec 9, 2022 at 9:34 AM

Amen

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Antoinette M. Bazikos lit a candle

Thursday, December 8, 2022

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Abazikos@aol.com Posted Dec 12, 2022 at 1:36 PM

Professor Downing was my prof. for Gen & Child.Psyc. And every other psych. Class offered. I still remember his rule for his children, "No talking after lights out/bedtime. Well, one of his daughters needed to tell him there was a cricket in the room making noise scaring them and keeping them up! He laughed how they found a way to communicate sans talking. You could tell how much he adored his children, wife and God. His smile was pure sunshine. He adored the Lord and loved his family. RIP

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The family of George Jay Downing uploaded a photo

Thursday, December 8, 2022

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125 Pitman Avenue
Pitman, NJ 08071
Phone: (856) 589-6308

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