Serving Beyond the Seas: Meet Julius Downing, the “Coach” of Embrey Mill

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Serving in the Navy and serving in the community are two distinct yet interconnected realms of commitment and sacrifice. While the former entails defending national interests and maintaining maritime security, the latter involves actively contributing to the well-being of local communities. Julius Downing Sr, known as Coach JD in his community, has found the perfect balance to continue serving after 24 years in the Navy. 

The Backbone of the Homefront – The Military Family 

Behind every uniformed service member stands an unsung hero, a pillar of strength providing unwavering support: the military wife and family. Shemica Downing has been part of Julius’s Navy career from the very beginning. Throughout his service, they have had 5 beautiful children. Keshawn (24), Latoya (20), Julius Jr. (16), Micayla (9), and Christian (4). 

Children in military families experience a mobile upbringing, relocating to new bases, schools, and communities. While challenging, this lifestyle fosters resilience and a unique way to forge friendships across diverse backgrounds.

The family has been all around the world following Julius’ career. From Norfolk naval base, various European countries, Bahrain, and D.C. Among his family ventures, one of their favorite places was England.  This command was the best; they cared for his family while he was deployed.  While stationed in England, at 5, Keshawn saved his sister from a fire.  The muscle memory of his father’s safety kicked in, and he called the police while leading his sibling to safety at the neighbors. The command and Chapeling, where Julius served as a minister, helped Julius rebuild his family after losing everything.  Later in his career, their second favorite station was Bahrain, where they discovered Julius Jr. was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  Bahrain was so amazing.  It's humid and consistent, over 100 degrees, but well worth it.  His best memory is when Coach JD coached the international high school boy’s basketball varsity team and came in first place in an international tournament. Through it all, they stuck together and had each other even when Julius deployed to Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 

Sports are Life

We live in a world of technology and many sedentary activities, and the importance of engaging in sports for children cannot be overstated. Beyond the physical benefits, involvement in sports plays a pivotal role in shaping a child's holistic development. The Downing Kids could be found participating in many sports and activities.

Keshawn played basketball, football, and Lacrosse at Mount Vernon High School, then played college lacrosse for Averett University.

Latoya was a cheerleader, track runner, and basketball player at Mount Vernon High School and North Stafford High School. She is currently the script director for Longwood basketball teams, a Division I school, and an athletic department intern event coordinator for all sports at Longwood University. 

Julius Jr. played football and track but now focuses on basketball at North Stafford High School as one of the favorite basketball point guards in this area.

The smallest of the Downing children do not get left behind. Micayla and Christian attended Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Studio in Stafford and now train with their father to become great athletes and students like their older siblings.

Sports teach children to experience wins and losses, triumphs and setbacks. Handling success and failure with grace fosters resilience and teaches valuable lessons in sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others. These skills, along with their military family background, have only fostered incredible athletic success and great sportsmanship for the Downing children. 

Call him “Coach”

When I first heard about Julius Downing, it was through a mutual friend, and they would only address him as “Coach.”

“Oh look, there’s Coach!”

“How are you doing, Coach?”

It makes sense, as Julius Downing was a track and basketball coach for Brooke Point High School and the basketball coach at North Stafford High School for this area. Though he loved his kids at Brooke Point, he chose to leave for North Stafford to support his son. It was a tough decision; however, the athletes at Brooke Point understood and still show support for “Coach.” 

Community Always

The importance of community involvement cannot be overstated. Giving back to the community has been a part of Julius’ life since he was a teenager. A trait that has been passed on to his children. 

As a teenager, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, helped senior citizens with yard work, and even read poems and the bible to the elderly. His father, Joseph Downing Sr, and his accountant volunteered Julius and his sisters to help with tax return documents at the Chesapeake library in Virginia when they were pre-teens.

Currently, he hosts a church service at Ebenezer Church called “Pray and Play,” under Pastor Donavan, a program geared toward teens, but it’s an open invitation for all. During COVID, Julius was part of the  Drift Rides of Embrey Mill, a therapy for over 100 men who lived in the neighborhood.  Following Coach JD provides free basketball training every Saturday morning and hosts weekly tournaments, which the teens look forward to.  This was his way of using sports therapy to help balance the teens and family during the pandemic.

He is also the chairman of  the neighborhood watch for Embrey Mill, so watch out for “Coach.”

Won’t you be our neighbor? 

The Downing family moved into the Embrey Mill Phase 2 area in 2018. The deciding factor was the promotion of having a high school in the community. However, their love of their home and neighborhood has only expanded five years later. 

Julius has hosted field day events and Halloween parties- not any type of party, but it’s a safety check in disguise. While the kids enjoy the games, music, and photo booths, the adults check the bags for unsafe items. 

Safety is a big part of community living. It’s why he’s heavily involved with the HOA events and board meetings. He says, “Community safety is a concern at all levels of education and experience.”

He encourages neighbors to get involved with the local church and neighborhood events and report suspicious activity.

The neighbors have become a second family. Everyone in the neighborhood is ready to help a fellow neighbor. Anytime there is an event, it feels more like a family reunion. One of his favorite parts of his neighborhood is the basketball court events, where he hosts tournaments for trophies and gift cards.  It's incredible to see the community wanting to participate in an event of hope to keep the kids occupied in a safe social environment with positive, controlled supervision.   As a coach, it’s great to have a place to meet up with fellow neighbors and just shoot some ball. 

Shoot your Shot!

Taking your shot often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. It means facing uncertainties, embracing vulnerability, and challenging yourself to pursue goals or opportunities that may initially seem intimidating.

The Downing family is an eclectic family who know how to take their shots. Literally. Don’t be afraid to lend a hand; if you have a question or need help in Embrey Mill, just call “Coach.”