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, 3rd
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. 13th
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.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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