Jason James Downing

Jason James Downing, our beloved son, brother, father, and grandfather entered into the Lord’s heavenly home on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the age of 50 after a brief illness and a 15-year disability following a traumatic brain injury incurred during an assault, while acting as a good Samaritan.

Jason “Jay” was born on November 1, 1973, in West Allis, Wisconsin to Dennis and Joanne (Sebald) Downing.  He grew up in the Township of Sheboygan Falls, attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Sheboygan, and then graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1992.  Jay earned 74 credits while attending college, but never pursued earning his college degree.

He worked as a cook at Randall’s Riverfront Sports Emporium, then at the Hoffbrau.  In 1997 he began employment at the Kohler Company, and in 2008 at Aldrich Chemical Company where he worked until he became disabled.

Jason enjoyed bowling, darts, golfing, shooting pool and fishing.  He backed the New York Giants and loved listening to his favorite band, Pink Floyd.  After the TBI in 2008, he began his journey to prove doctors wrong.  He survived the injury, relearned speaking and eating, and with much determination was able to walk again with the use of a special walker and two individuals assisting.  To his sister he became her Superman.  With the help of Alice and Clint, two personal trainers at the YMCA, he regained much muscular strength, stamina and core stability.  Even though he was wheelchair bound, he looked forward to his YMCA visits and the friendships he made there.  He loved playing Candy Crush on his I Pad.  Jason always looked forward to his yearly vacation to northern Wisconsin and the pontoon ride graciously provided by the resort owners, Jeff and Josh.

Jason spent most of his years post initial rehabilitation living with his parents who assisted in caring for him.  He was also lucky to have his sister and nephew, both RNs, join in his care.  At the time of his death, he was residing at North Ridge Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Manitowoc.

Jason is survived by his parents Dennis and Joanne, his sister Allison (John) Aschenbach, nephews JohnO and Charlie Aschenbach, his daughter Emily (Marcos) Garcia, his grandchildren, Aubrianne, Marcos Jr. (Junny) and Zuri.  He is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, his past roommate Dan Perronne and many friends.  Jason is preceded in death by his grandparents Carlen and Minna Sebald, Donald Downing, Leo and Lois Kalkiewicz, and uncle David Downing. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Two Rivers Aurora Medical Center ICU, 3^rd floor and hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.  They would also like to thank Dr. Revelis, Ann, Dr. Kream, Dirk Dulmes and PT aide Stacy for their care and concern over the years.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 3:00 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1810 N. 13^th St. Sheboygan, with Rev. Alan Kretschmar officiating.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the CHURCH.  Cremation will follow. A private committal will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Kohler, WI.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or School in Jason's name.