Obituary of James Downey

July 19, 1995 - Solihull, United Kingdom

October 27, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

James Downey, age 29, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Calgary, AB. James was the beloved husband of Justin Downey and the only child of Margherita and Adrian Downey. James was born on July 19, 1995, in Solihull, United Kingdom.

James graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc degree in mathematics. He then went on to work for Deloitte in Birmingham before transferring to Calgary as an accountant to be closer to the mountains. James was valued as a mentor and friend at his workplace.

Outside of work, James had a passion for hiking, cooking, and travelling. He loved to travel with Justin and their most recent vacation was to South Africa where, after four safaris, James was finally able to see leopards in the wild.

James was a loving husband to Justin and they shared a wonderful marriage together. He was also an incredibly loving son to Margherita and Adrian and they have so many precious memories of him as he grew to be the fine man that he was. He had hoped his parents would be able to move to Calgary from the UK in the next few years to be closer to him and Justin. His brothers-in-law, Zachary and Nicholas Bergamin, loved him deeply and his in-laws, Rupi and Amelio Bergamin would tell everyone how fortunate they were to have such a wonderful man as another new son (to them). He will be deeply missed by all his new family.

James was a great adventurer. Some of his adventures included climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking to Everest Base Camp, and doing a cage dive with great white sharks. Nevertheless, James’ proudest achievement was his marriage to Justin and the start of their family with their beloved cat, Ollie.

James will be most remembered for his warm smile and his kind and generous heart. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Downey’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Between Friends Calgary, 401, 8989 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, AB, T2H 0M2, Telephone: 403-269-9133, www.betweenfriends.ab.ca/donate. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with James’ family here.

In living memory of James Downey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book & Watch James' Funeral service