James Dowdy

James M. Dowdy, age 96, passed away peacefully Monday, November 11, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife Joan Dowdy, his parents Glenn and Clara Dowdy, brothers Harold, Alfred and Edward Dowdy, and a new-born baby daughter. He is survived by his children; Jim II (Sue), Jon (Jackie), Bill (Elizabeth) Dowdy, and Anne (Lance) Kesterson, Grandchildren; Adam (Emily), Jonathan, Joshua, Chris (Heather), Joe (Minde), Wade, Mason (Laurel), and Elyse, as well as nine loving great-grandchildren.

After graduating as valedictorian of Greenville High School (W. Va.), Jim attended Berea College (Ky.), graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Geology. He was hired by his future father-in-law to develop a 4-H program for teens and young adults in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was from this position that he met Joan. Jim served in the US Army from 1950-52, most notably in the Army Corps of Engineers, where he developed an interest in aerial photography and mapping. Newly married and discharged in 1952, Jim moved to Columbus to accept a TA position at The Ohio State University and to begin his master’s degree in photogrammetry. He moved to North American Aviation in 1959 as an engineer, working on numerous government projects throughout the 60s. In 1970 Jim returned to Ohio State at the request of Bob Teater to fill the newly-developed role of Assistant Director of the School of Natural Resources. He taught classes, counseled grad students, led field work, and earned his PhD in 1976.

Upon his retirement in 1989, Jim continued to be active in the Clintonville area, serving as President of the Sharon Heights Community Association. From this position, he was recognized in 2009 for his collaboration with the City of Columbus, the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Recreation and Parks, the Columbus City Schools, and the North Columbus Jaycees on numerous projects; including creating conservation easements around Olentangy River tributaries, the Broadmeadows Pedestrian Bridge, and the Sharon property, Greenspace.

After the passing of Joan in 2016, Jim moved to Friendship Village of Dublin, where he involved himself in numerous activities, including Bible study, duplicate bridge, and introducing the card game Five Crowns to the residents. Above all, Jim loved the Lord and shared his faith continuously with his children and friends.

The family will receive visitors at North Baptist Church, 76 Charleston Ave., Columbus, OH 43214 on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.; followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Kingwood Memorial Park in Lewis Center, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Berea College in memory of Jim Dowdy or to the Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Joan Dowdy. Additionally, a Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at Friendship Village of Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin OH, 43017, on Saturday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m.