James Townsend

James Lynn Townsend, 79, of North Venice, Florida, died peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2021, surrounded by family.

Born on June 22, 1941 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jim was the eldest son of Lynn and Ruth Townsend of Bloomfield Hills. He attended the University of Michigan, where he joined the Sigma Nu fraternity and earned a B.A. in Business Administration, followed by an M.B.A. in Marketing. After successfully completing General Electric's novel one-year Marketing Program, he joined GE as a District Sales Counselor in Battle Creek, MI. Jim remained at GE for his entire career, becoming Vice President of Corporate Sales before he retired.

Jim and his family resided primarily in Louisville, KY - with stretches in Milwaukee, WI and Danville, CA. In recognition of his service and accomplishments on behalf of others, Jim received a Kentucky Colonel commission from Governor Collins.

Known for his warm and personable approach to friends and strangers alike, Jim evoked laughter and lightened the mood wherever he went.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diana Carole; children, Sara Lynn of El Granada, CA and Bradley James (Andrea Lynn) of Pine, CO; brothers Charles and Richard; Jane M. Townsend (mother of Sara and Brad); and much extended family. Jim is also survived by step-daughters Amanda and Ginger Shields, and step-grandson Colin Shields.

Jim will be honored at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church, 9252 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI; burial and reception to follow. Jim's family welcomes donations to the charity of your choice.