William James Downs, Lord Baltimore owner

Mr. William James “Jim” Downs, 91, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

Jim and his wife, Doris who passed away in 2003 had owned and operated the Lord Baltimore Inn in Rehoboth since 1957, where he was the beloved innkeeper to many guests.

He was born June 2, 1920 in Georgetown to the late Phillip O. and Margaret G. Donovan Downs.

Mr. Downs was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, where he was one of the oldest members of the church. Over the years he held many positions in the church which include usher, Sunday school teacher, head of the Sunday school in the 1960s, and for many years he would open and close the church. A new church was recently built and as one of the eldest members he had the honor of closing the church for the very last time. He was a member of Jefferson Lodge 15 A.F.A.M. in Lewes, since 1947 and a World War II army veteran.

He is survived by a daughter, M. Susan Downs, a son W. James Downs Jr. “Jim” and his wife Mary Lynn W. Downs and a granddaughter, Kathryn W. Downs, all of Rehoboth Beach,.

A Masonic service will be held at noon, Tuesday, March 20, with the funeral to immediately follow at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call after 11 a.m. The Rev. Jonathan Baker and the Rev. Pat Loughlin will officiate at the service. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at the Millsboro Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.