Norwich, Vermont

James Edward Downey, 56, of Norwich, VT passed away at Mt. Ascutney Hospital after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 26, 2014.

Jim was born on April 25, 1958 in Morristown, NJ to Edward and Irene Downey. The family moved to Woodstock Vermont where he attended high school and graduated in 1976. Jim continued on to the University of Vermont where he met his future wife Priscilla. Jim became lifelong friends with his Delta Psi brothers and many others. He graduated in 1980.

As a very successful business man, Jim held several prominent positions in high tech companies. Most recently, Jim worked for Silicon Software based in Germany where he was the Director of Sales and Business Development for the Americas. Jim spent last winter ski instructing at Killington Resort, which allowed him to ski 107 days, the most he had ever skied in any season. This was an accomplishment of which he was very proud.

Jim greatest joys in life were being a father and most recently a grandfather. Jim is survived by his son Nicholas Downey, his daughter Jessica Nordman, her husband Jeremiah and Jim's grandson Jamon .He is also survived by the mother of his children, Angelique Priscilla, his sisters Peg Carton and Catherine Downey, his brother Thomas Downey, his nephew and best friend Christopher Brien and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Irene Downey and his sister Louise Downey.

In recent years, Jim traveled the world and visited every continent with the exception of Antarctica. He made friends wherever he went. Jim's passion for life and sense of humor were infectious. His vibrant smile is unforgettable. Those who knew and loved Jim are deeply saddened by his passing and will miss his presence in our lives immensely.

Jim will be honored by family and friends on Friday, December 5 at Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT at 4:15 where the family will begin readings to honor Jim. Friends may call on the family prior to the service beginning at 2:00. A celebration of Jim's life will follow at the Norwich Inn in Norwich, VT at 5:30pm.

A graveside service is being planned for the spring in the Prosper Cemetery in Woodstock, Vermont.
A memorial fund is being established in Jim's name to facilitate the planned development of the hospice care unit at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Donations may be sent to: DH Palliative Care Hospice House, Office of Development Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03766