James (Jim) Robert Downham

In Loving Memory of James (Jim) Robert Downham

James (Jim) Robert Downham, born October 31, 1944, age 81, of Lander, Wyoming, died peacefully at home on August 14, 2026.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Catherine; his brothers, Bill and Dick Downham; and his sister, Ann Palm. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sue; his children, Topher Downham, Amy (Mark) Schwanz, Andy (Ashlee) Downham, and Kathy (Nils) Bifano; his grandchildren, Brynn, Kyra, Caiden, and Chase; his sister, Mary Downham; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Leann Sebade; and many loving family members and friends.

Jim grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he shared a love of sports and adventure with his brothers. Their childhood antics became the source of many cherished family stories over the years. Jim especially loved playing ice hockey and excelled at the sport. When an outdoor ice rink opened in Lander, he was thrilled to share that passion with the community, teaching local kids how to skate and play hockey.

Jim graduated from De La Salle High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota, followed by a master’s degree in Reading from Western Kentucky University. He began his teaching career as a volunteer with the Teacher Corps in Kentucky and later taught briefly in Madison, Wisconsin, before finding his home as an educator in Wyoming.

Jim taught at Arapaho Elementary and Central Wyoming College, but the heart of his career was at Lander Valley High School, where he taught for 22 years. He was a creative, fun, and caring teacher who always made time for his students. He had a remarkable ability to connect with young people, and generations of students remember him not only for what he taught in the classroom, but for the genuine interest and kindness he showed them.

Jim and his wife, Sue, enjoyed 47 amazing years of marriage built on love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering commitment. Together, they enjoyed the beauty and wildlife of Sinks Canyon, frequent visits to Yellowstone, and cherished trips to Minnesota and Colorado to spend time with their children and grandchildren. In his later years, as multiple sclerosis progressed and his physical needs increased, Sue lovingly cared for Jim with extraordinary devotion.

Jim brought warmth and joy wherever he went, offering his wide smile as a welcome to everyone he met. He was outgoing in the truest sense of the word. Rarely was any outing in town as quick as his family had hoped, because Jim would want to chat with everyone – friends and strangers alike.

After more than five decades in Lander and generations of students passing through his classroom, Jim was not simply a familiar face around town – he was a deeply loved and cherished part of the community.

Jim loved nature and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, hunting, fishing, and birding, and he took great pleasure in sharing those experiences with his children and grandchildren. He had a natural curiosity and an appreciation for the beauty around him, qualities he passed along to his family.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for the way he made people feel - welcomed, valued, and loved. His generous spirit, infectious smile, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others touched countless lives. His family, former students, friends, and the Lander community will miss him dearly.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with family.

In memory of Jim, the family welcomes donations to the Lander Care & Share Food Bank, Almost Home Wyoming, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Kyra’s Klan.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com