James Lee Townsend

James Lee “Jim” Townsend, 86, Warsaw, Indiana, passed away January 29, 2022 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City, Indiana. Born March 11, 1935 in Muncie, Indiana, Jim was the son of the late James Henry and Jessie Ruth (Peasley) Townsend.

While attending Muncie Central High School, Jim was a member of the swim team. After graduating in 1953, Jim married Margaret Suzanne “Suzy” Dome on May 22, 1954. Together they had five children, Daniel, Frances, Diane, Cindy, and Jonathan Townsend. Later in life Jim graduated from Manchester College with a degree in Sociology.

Jim began his professional career in the Tool and Die industry, working for a few companies before settling in with Dana Weatherhead Corp, Columbia City, Indiana, for twenty-five years. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1960s Jim started two motorcycle shops, and in 1973 he founded James Townsend & Son, Inc, which makes reproduction 18th and 19th century clothing and personal accessories. His company has sent clothing and accessories all over the world and has been included in television shows and movies. Jim’s love for the 18th and 19th centuries began through his passion for muzzleloading rifles and reenactments

Jim had many interests beyond his professional life. He was a member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren where he served on the Witness team. He also had a deep passion for helping people all over the world, especially those in Central America. Jim had a fondness for motorcycles, particularly those from Japan, and belonged to the National Japanese Motorcycle Association, where served as past president. He was also a member of the Tippecanoe Audubon Society.

The loving memory of James Lee Townsend will be forever cherished by his wife, Margaret “Suzy” Townsend, Warsaw, Indiana; sons, Daniel Townsend, Warsaw, Indiana, and Jonathan (Whitney) Townsend, Pierceton, Indiana; daughters, Frances Townsend, Onekama, Michigan, Diane Townsend, Reno, Nevada, and Cindy Paeth, Veedersburg, Indiana; sister, Kristina Dorton, Hartford City, Indiana; sister-in-law, Billie Townsend, Hartford City, Indiana; and five grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jessie Townsend; brother, Gary Townsend; son-in-law, Leonard Paeth; and brother-in-law, Monte Dorton.

Family and friends may call Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of Jim’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling. Pastor Kurt Borgmann and Pastor Amy Gall Ritchie will officiate.   

For those who wish to honor the memory of James Lee “Jim” Townsend, memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.

The family of Jim Townsend has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

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