This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath158 Surnames: Downs, Kelly Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5228/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Jeffrey "Jerry" Kelly Downs, 60, passed away peacefully with his son at his side on Tuesday, March 2, at Las Posada Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Jerry was born Sept. 8, 1950 in Madison, WI., to Frederick T. and Patricia Jane (Kelly) Downs. His grandfather nicknamed him Jerry in honor of Jerry Downs, a second baseman who played in the 1908 World Series and later for the Chicago Cubs. True to his namesake, Jerry was a lifelong Cubs fan. The family moved to Las Cruces in 1954 when his father took a position with New Mexico State University. After graduating from Las Cruces High in 1968 Jerry joined the U.S. Navy. In the navy he flew on the A-3 Sky Warrior as an electronic warfare and reconnaissance specialist. After the navy, he returned to Las Cruces where he earned a degree in Fine Arts from NMSU. He was an award-winning illustrator and graphic artist for Agricultural Communications. He retired from NMSU in 2008. Jerry had a passion for classical guitar and played professionally for 22 years, first at Meson de Mesilla and later at Picacho Hills Country Club. From high school on he played in several bands with a group of long-time friends. He is survived by his son, William Kelly "Billy" Downs, of Las Cruces. Billy was "the apple of his heart and the joy of his life." He is also survived by his brother Thomas Taylor Downs of Denver, CO, his former wife Vicky Downs of Las Cruces, and his little grey cat, January Downs. Jerry was a creative soul who had an equal talent for friendship. He loved life, cats, music, the Packers and of course, the Cubs. He was especially devoted to Billy, who was at his father's side during the last months of Jerry's struggle with cancer. The family also wishes to thank the legion of friends who surrounded Jerry with love and kindness, including those who took him to breakfast, shared coffee and conversation with him, treated him to movie nights, and joined him on walks along the Rio Grande. A memorial service will be held Sat., March 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Morning Star Methodist Church, 2941 Morning Star Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88011. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Dona Ana County, P.O. Box 1176, Las Cruces, NM 88006. Arrangements are by La Paz Graham Funeral Home, 555 W. Amador, Las Cruces. For information call 575-526-6891 or go to www.lapaz-graham.com. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on March 4, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.