Obituary of Dr. James Downey
DOWNEY, Dr. James
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Downey, O.C. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, in Waterloo, Ontario. He leaves behind the family he so adored - his wife of 57 years, Laura, his children Sarah (Manfred) and Geoffrey (Tanya), his grandchildren Augusta, Elise, Hannah and Joshua, his sister Edwina Giles and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939, Jim was the last child and only son of Ernest and Mimy Ann, following five older sisters. They all knew from the time he was a young boy that he was gifted, smart and curious. Most people born ‘around the bay’ worked in the fisheries. He was lucky, however, that Premier Joey Smallwood offered scholarships to kids from outports to come to St. John’s to attend university.
His academic fire was lit, and he completed a BA, B. Ed. and M.A. at Memorial before getting a Rothermere fellowship to earn his PhD at the University of London (Birkbeck College) in 1966.
His first academic position was teaching English in the Faculty of Arts at Carleton University. He rose up the academic ranks quickly – from Chair of the English Department, to Dean of Arts, to Vice-President Academic, and President Pro-tempore, in less than 14 years. He then moved to Fredericton to become President of the University of New Brunswick (1980-90) and served as President of the University of Waterloo (1993-99). He was the inaugural President of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario from 2007-09.
In 1996, his contribution to education was recognized when he was appointed to the Order of Canada, and he received countless honorary degrees from universities he dearly admired.
He was asked many times over the years how someone with a PhD in English literature who loved teaching ended up as a university administrator. He always shrugged and said, “I just wasn’t paying attention.”
In addition to this incredible career, he lived a life full of friendship and adventure. He was a keen tennis player, avid reader, impressive orator, loyal pen pal and prolific writer. We are fortunate to have so many family stories, letters, essays, books, recordings, and lessons that will keep his memory and keen wit with us for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Waterloo or the University of New Brunswick which can be made through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo, ON www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.