JAMES WILLIS TOWNSEND

James Willis TOWNSEND Jim Townsend was born in Seattle on April 8, 1960, the fifth of five children of Hubert Willis Townsend and Elizabeth Eldert Townsend. He died on May 8, 2011, at age 51 of complications from chronic schizophrenia. Bright and good-natured, Jim was a good student, had many friends, played violin, and was active in many sports. He was one of the first students sent by bus to schools outside their neighborhoods as part of the Seattle Public Schools desegregation program in the 1960's, and attended Madrona Elementary and Meany Middle School before attending Roosevelt High School. At age 15, Jim started a rock band- the Blueberry Tricycle- that played at local dances. Jim began to exhibit symptoms of serious mental distress at age 16 and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses the following year. Because of these growing problems, Jim was unable to graduate with his class but completed high school a year later in 1979. Largely not understood and inadequately treated, his disease intensified over the following several years resulting in a commitment to Western State Hospital of nearly two years. Jim's mental condition gradually stabilized under anti-psychotic medication in his 20's. At age 29, he moved into an apartment in Shoreline that he would occupy for over 21 years. As an adult, he was unable to hold a job but was a regular attendee at Wallingford House in Seattle, walking and traveling by bus there in all weather, maintained his interest in music, and participated as a treasured member in family gatherings. While tormented by his mental illness and the difficulties it imposed on his life, he carried his burden with strength, dignity and grace. Jim's mental illness and long-term psychiatric medications caused other chronic medical problems, including kidney disease and hyponatremia, which ultimately resulted in his death. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his stepfather Douglas N. Fugitt, who all provided loving care for many years. He is survived by brothers Hubert C. Townsend (Tyrone) and Lewis R. Townsend (Judy) of Seattle, sisters Marion B. Townsend of Bothell, Martha T. Grosenick (CP) of Kirkland, and Jocelyn L. Mullins (Kevin) of Plain City, Ohio, stepsisters Sylvia F. Elliott of Anchorage, Alaska, Lynda F. Leary (John) of Seattle and Laurie F. Monterey (Kerry) of Redmond, and eight nieces and nephews. A private service will be held on a later date. Jim's family gives thanks to Wallingford House, the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Seattle and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Seattle for their great service to Jim and to so many with mental illness. Donations to these organizations are always needed and appreciated.