Obituary of John Clayton Downs

John Clayton “Jack” Downs, 92, of Green Village, passed away peacefully at Morristown Medical Center on December 11, 2025. A devoted husband for 62 years, he was also a loving and supportive father who deeply cherished the friendships he formed throughout his life, both near and far.

Jack was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Alice and Clayton Downs on May 17, 1933. His early years were spent between Madison and Kearny, New Jersey. He graduated from Kearny High School in 1952 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955, during which he was stationed in Korea and Japan.

Jack worked briefly with the Kearny Police Department before joining the Kearny Fire Department in 1960, a calling he embraced with great pride. He devoted nearly three decades to the department, rising to the rank of Captain before retiring in 1988. Afterward, he drove school buses for the Florham Park Board of Education.

He married Anne in 1963, and their life was filled with many treasured moments, including over 30 unforgettable years spent seasonally in Camp, County Kerry, Ireland - years rich with lasting friendships and a place they considered a true home away from home.

As a third-generation Madisonian, Jack cherished his deep roots, which trace back to the 1860s. His Irish heritage was another source of joy, and his love for Irish culture will continue through his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Jack was an active member of many organizations, including the Essex Emerald Pipe Band (charter member), Kearny Fire Department Band, Knights of Columbus - Parcells Council, Morris County Emerald Society, Morris County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, NJFMBA Locals 18 & 500 & Kerry Historical Society.  He also enjoyed being a part of the Camp Town Twinning, Wednesday Walkers and the R.O.M.E.O’s. In March 2025, Jack was honored to serve as the Starter for the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, Clayton (1946), his mother, Alice (née Kiernan) (1978), and his brother, Edward “Ted” (1981). He is survived by his wife, Ann (née Smith); his children, John and his wife Lynn (née Faccia), Kathleen McClay and her husband Ian, and Thomas and his wife Tricia (née Morris); and his six grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lauren, Ava, Kerrianne, Jack, and Andrew, who will all miss him and his stories dearly.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, from 4–7 pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Vincent Martyr Church on Tuesday, December 16, at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Vernon Volunteer First Aid Squad, 22 Village Road, New Vernon, NJ 07976 (www.nvvfd.com/firstaidsquad).