James A. "Jim" Townsend

PENN YAN, N.Y./ ALTOONA, FLA. - James A. Townsend, 75, of Altoona Fla., formerly of Penn Yan, passed away suddenly on Friday, Novem­ber 18, 2011, at his home in Altoona, Florida.
Calling hours for Jim will be held on Friday (December 2, 2011) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Townsend Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday (December 3, 2011) at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Liberty St., Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to: Eagles Rest Camp, 1221 N. County Rd. #315, Melrose, Fla., 32666 who adopted "JJ" and "Tuffy" or Jim's alma mater, St. Michael's School, 210 Keuka St., Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527.
Jim was born on May 24, 1936, in Penn Yan to the late Joseph and Margaret (Owen) Townsend. Jim attended St. Michael's School through the eighth grade. Known for his agility, speed and records in football, he was given the nickname "Touchdown Jim" at Penn Yan Academy. After graduating in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country. Follow­ing his time in the Army, Jim went into the home construction supply industry working his way from sales clerk to manager. In 1966, Jim and his partner founded RyTown Millwork, a custom door and window manufacturing company in Manches­ter, NY. Jim received numerous local, state and national awards in the home building industries throughout his career. He was proud of his reputation for being fair, honest, hard-working and for treating his employees well. Jim's passion was his horses. For almost 50 years, Jim owned, showed and raced several kinds including ponies, quarter horses and standard-bred. After retiring to Florida one of Jim's greatest pleasures was riding his horses "JJ" and "Tuffy" in the Ocala National Forest and teaching his grandsons to be cowboys.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra "Scottie" Townsend; Daughters, Teri Spoor and Tracy (Doug) Marchionda Jr.; Grandsons, Trevor and Tyler Spoor, Anthony and Nicholas Marchionda; Sisters, Mary (Wally) Brown, Judy (Gordy) Wilber, Joanne (Bill) Burg; Brother Pete (Patty) Townsend; Sister-in-law, Beverley Williams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Townsend; Brother, Joseph Townsend, Brothers-in- law, Wally Brown and Gordy Wilber; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Howard and Melba Naulty.