James Patrick "Jimmy" Dowdle

James Patrick "Jimmy" Dowdle, 68 of Detroit and formerly of Battle Creek, passed away unexpectedly as a result of a sudden cardiac event and went from home to Heaven on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Jim was born March 8, 1954 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the youngest child of John Francis and Mary Louise (Smith) Dowdle. As a kid growing up in Battle Creek, he knew everything that was going on and was loved by every neighbor within six blocks of his home. He was a 1972 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central, where he served as president of the Student Council and then attended Kellogg Community College.

Surviving are his siblings, Mary Elizabeth McConville of Ann Arbor, Katherine (Edward) Rice of South Boardman, Jeanette (Kim) Halladay of Ludington, John F. (Deborah) Dowdle of Battle Creek, Barbara A. Dowdle of Kalamazoo; nieces and nephews, Sean (Erica) McConville, Kate (fiancé Frank) McConville, Edward (Eva) Rice, John Rice, Patrick (Juliet) Halladay, Andrew (Unver Rustem) Halladay, Cory (Kori) Dowdle, Bart (Janelle) Dowdle, Adam (Stephanie Reed) Dowdle; numerous great nieces and nephews; special friends, Tiffany Nomides, Bob Dantle and countless co-workers, neighbors, friends and his loyal sidekick, his rescue dog, Willow. Jim was preceded in death by his good friend, Bob Bannos; his parents and brother-in-law, James B. McConville.

In high school, Jim was employed at a downtown movie theatre in Battle Creek and ReadMore Book Store. His career in food service and entertainment began with Joe Ferrari at the Gaslight Restaurant in Battle Creek. He then moved to Detroit, lived downtown on Jefferson and worked for a Riverfront restaurant lounge. Later, Jimmy was a co-owner of Menjo's in Detroit. For the past 16 years, Jimmy has worked and helped manage Danny's Irish Pub in Ferndale.

Jim will be remembered for his love of people, willing to literally give his last penny to someone else in need, mowing someone's lawn because they were not able, or just making someone's life better with his love, hugs and concern. Jimmy was an avid University of Michigan football fan. Jimmy loved opening day in Detroit and always or anytime celebrating his beloved Detroit Tigers with friends and family. He was also a Red Wing's fan, Piston's fan and would occasionally cheer for the Lions. He loved pleasing his customers, with good service, humor, friendship and genuinely including you as a friend for life. Jimmy loved celebrating St. Patrick's Day, birthdays and holidays with family and friends. He had an incredible sense of humor and endearing quick wit. He could light up a room with his laugh and humor. Jim loved his Democratic Party and received a presidential award, thanking him for his leadership in the National Democratic Party from Bill Clinton and Thomas S. Foley. He was also willing to share his opinions about Detroit and Michigan politics. He also knew it was more important to maintain friendships and the love of family and friends than to lose them over political views. Jim loved music, Barbara Streisand, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Pearl Jam, Roxy Music, and more recently, The Weekend (now the ringtone on his phone).

Friends will be received 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at the funeral home 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022. Committal and interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/2028386

Memorial contributions may be made to any animal shelter near you. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.