Jean Dowd

Jean Dowd, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and coach, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

Jean was born on June 27, 1959, in Jefferson, to Alys and Norman Crabb. She was also lovingly raised by her stepfather, Lebren Fox, following her mother’s remarriage.

On September 16, 1977, Jean was united in marriage to Jim Dowd at the Jamaica Union Church in Jamaica. Together they built a life centered around family, community, and a deep love of swimming.

Jean dedicated 29 years of service to the McCreary Community Center in Perry. She also spent 27 years coaching the Perry High School Girls Swim Team, a role that brought out the very best in her. Under her leadership, the Jayettes thrived, and Jean was named the 2017/2018 Female Coach of the Year by the Perry Chief. She also earned the IGHSAU Golden Plaque of Distinction, becoming only the 9th swimming-related recipient of that honor, as well as the NFHS Iowa Girls Swimming/Diving Coach of the Year award in 2021.

Jean had a gift for mentorship and poured herself into the lives of countless young swimmers over the years. She loved supporting the broader swimming community in every way she could, cheering on her children and grandchildren in all their activities, and relaxing and reading in the gazebo. Yet by her own account, her favorite job was simply being a Mom and Grandmother.

Jean’s generosity continued even after her passing through the Iowa Donor Network. By choosing to be a donor, she gave one final gift to help others in need. It was a true reflection of the compassionate, selfless, and caring person Jean was throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Dowd; her son, Eric (Allison Turner) Dowd of Perry; her daughter, Christina (Levi) Sowers of Iowa City; her siblings, Carol Tilton of Cedar Rapids and Harvey Crabb of Ames; her grandchildren, Andrew Dowd, Emily Dowd, and Zoe Sowers; her niece, Andrea (Dave) Elkin; and her nephew, Dennis Crabb. She is also survived by Jessica (Dustin) Goehring, who Jean loved and cared for as her own daughter, and their children, Carver, Keegan, and Cole, whom Jean cherished as grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alys Fox; her stepfather, Lebren Fox; and her biological father, Norman Crabb.

Jean’s warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McCreary Community Building in Perry, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. A private family burial will take place afterward at Richland Cemetery in rural Bagley.

The family encourages everyone attending to wear jeans and a Perry T-shirt or something blue in honor and memory of Jean, as Perry Blue was her favorite color.

Jean’s service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on the funeral home’s website under Jean’s name and photo, or directly at https://player.vimeo.com/video/1193324592. The livestream will begin a few minutes prior to the start of the service. Online condolences may also be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Dowd family is accepting donations for a memorial fund established in my Jean’s name. The fund will be used to benefit the greater Perry community in several ways, reflecting the love and support she always had for the town and people who meant so much to her. Donations can be made through the Venmo established for the fund or by dropping off cash or checks at the Perry Rec Center. Please make checks payable to Jim Dowd.