Jason "Pippin" Downs
Major / USAF
2009-2025
Major Jason “Pippin” Downs, age 39, passed away on September 3, 2025. Born and raised in Mason City, Iowa on October 20, 1985, Jason is remembered for his profound love of family and country, his unwavering dedication to military service, and his unexpected wit.
A true Hawkeye, Jason graduated from the University of Iowa before commissioning in the United States Air Force. As an Evaluator Navigator, Jason led a distinguished career, spanning over 16 years in Special Operations.
Among his proudest professional achievements was graduating from-and later instructing at-the prestigious United States Air Force Weapons Instructor Course. A brother-in-arms within the AC-130 Gunship community, Jason’s greatest legacy lives on in the aircrew he trained and the countless lives he helped save in times of war and crisis. His devotion to duty never wavered-even after his diagnosis during his 8th and final deployment.
Jason faced his 18-month battle with cancer with courage, grace, and determination. Throughout his fight, he remained present: supporting his family, traveling, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of running a race with friends through Hobbiton, New Zealand.
Jason’s unexpected journey was long and arduous, yet it ended as he had hoped-without pain, and surrounded by the love and calm of his soulmate. Gone from this world too soon, he leaves behind not only memories but enduring lessons: that human nature is beautifully complex, that the struggle between intention and action is deeply real, and that even those who falter are worthy of compassion and love.
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