Dr. John Robert Downs

Christmas

 Dr. John R. Downs, age 88, died his way following a brief illness under the loving care of his family and North Woods Hospice at his home on Wednesday morning, June 19, 2024. He was born on May 12, 1936 to the late Alvin and Patricia (Hume) Downs in Owosso, Michigan. John began his remarkable post-secondary educational journey at Albion College where he earned an Artium Baccalaureus in 1958. From there he attended the University of Michigan Dental School, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1962. His educational journey was paused as he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1964. Upon his return to the States, he furthered his education and earned a Certificate in Anesthesia-Basic Science in 1965 and a Master of Science in Anesthesiology, both from the University of Pittsburgh. Following this he completed a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in 1967 followed by a fellowship in Maxillofacial Surgery in Sussex, England in 1968.

While training at Henry Ford, he had the good fortune of meeting June Peters, an RN working the surgical floor. Most would say this was the most impactful friendship and relationship of his life. John and June were married on September 17, 1966. John began his dental practice, however at that time, dentists did not have admitting privileges to hospitals so the advanced skills that John had trained for were being underutilized. So, while raising their two young children and with the unwavering support of June, John attended medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, earning his DO in June of 1973. To further his training, he did visiting fellowships in Maxillofacial Surgery in Zurich, Switzerland, Hamburg, Germany and Innsbruck, Austria. Having his medical degree, his advanced surgical training could now be put to use in the hospital setting; he found great reward in helping children with the complex repairs of cleft lips and cleft palates.

Throughout his health care career, he served on numerous state and national specialty boards and held academic appointments at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh and at Michigan State University where he was a Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery in the Department of Surgical Specialties in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Human Medicine. Although he continued his private practice, he was also heavily involved at Michigan State University where he was the Co-Founder of the Division of Sports Medicine, Medical Director for the Center for Study of Elite Athletes at Michigan State University, Team Physician for MSU hockey for twenty-two years and upon his retirement, The Outstanding Defensive Player Award was established that bears his name in perpetuity. At MSU, he also served as the Chairperson of the Credentials and Privileges Committee for the Faculty Group Practice and as the Associate Chairperson of the Head of Surgical Specialties. His involvement at MSU also allowed him to become certified in Tropical Medicine and to serve as a Consultant to Ministry of Health in Belize, Central America. 

Dr. John R. Downs also retired as Captain Marine Corps/US Navy Reserves after serving 20 years. His military training included Medical Field Service School, Aviation Medical Officer School, he earned the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon and aided in Special Operations Training of Marine Expeditionary Unit personnel for Special Operations Capable. One of John’s proudest accomplishments was his humanitarian efforts throughout his military career. He was the Officer in Charge Medical USMC Operation “Sea Angel” when the Bangladesh Cyclone hit the Bay of Bengal in 1991 and was the Officer in Charge Medical Evacuation “Fiery Vigil” in the Republic of the Philippines when Mount Pinatubo erupted. For his service, Captain Downs was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. His duties while in the USNR included being a squadron surgeon, battalion surgeon and officer in charge of shock surgical team and serving as the commanding officer for the Humanitarian Relief Mission “Operation Fairwinds” in Haiti. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Downs was on staff at many different hospitals including Pittsburgh Health Center, Henry Ford, Owosso Memorial where he served as Chief of Staff, Clinton Memorial in St. Johns, Ingham Medical Central, St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, and War Memorial in Sault Ste. Marie. John authored over forty publications for medical and dental journals. He also earned many honorary awards from the University of Michigan Dentistry Honors Board, the National Research Award from the American Society of Oral and Maxillary Surgeons, the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award MSU-COM, Phi Beta Delta Honor Society, and Michigan State’s Distinguished Alumni Award MSU-COM.

 Dr. John R. Downs studied hard, trained intensely to develop his surgical specialty, spoke four different languages, was passionate about life-long learning and education, always had an answer (usually correct) for whatever trivia or history question was being asked; his breadth of knowledge was truly immense. He wanted those around him to strive for excellence in whatever they may be doing. He was a gentleman farmer, giving his children the opportunity to grow up raising cattle, hogs, and horses. His hard work was balanced with hard play with his favorite adventures including helicopter skiing, deep-sea fishing, hunting upland birds and fly-fishing, with the later adventures often shared with his son. He also enjoyed the peace and relaxation of blueberry picking, golfing, taking care of the Pictured Rocks driving range with his beloved dog accompanying him, and his daily coffee “klatch” time. John Downs also loved hard and gave some hard love through his opinions and brutal honesty. He adored his wife of over fifty-seven years and his tough exterior always softened when he was with her or spoke of her. He was proud of his children and one of his greatest joys was the time he served as “Capo” to his grandchildren. 

He will be missed dearly by those who loved him that include his wife – June Peters Downs of Christmas; son and daughter-in-law – Bobby and Tricia Downs of Munising; daughter – Dr. Erinn Downs of Phoenix; and grandchildren – Bailey, Taylor, Harper, and Harrison.

Memorials in his name may be directed to Alger Regional Community Foundation, North Woods Hospice, or a charity of choice.

No public services are planned.