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In Memory of James F. Townsend
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Posted by editor Fri Jun 30, 2006 15:48:55 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Longtime Bear Valley Springs resident James Ferrell Townsend died on June 25 after a courageous battle with cancer.

James was born Feb. 20, 1933 in Lawton, Okla. For many years, he lived in Bear Valley Springs, where prior to his retirement, he commuted to Edwards AFB and worked as an aircraft mechanic.

His adventuresome spirit and brilliant mind inspired a variety of people James touched throughout his life. His passions were trap shooting, hiking, rock hunting and camping in his trailer. James could not pass up a museum, terrarium or aquarium without stopping to see what Mother Nature had created.

James’ family was his greatest treasure and he rejoiced in them.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Terry, and grandson, Dominic. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy J. Townsend of Bear Valley Springs; mother, Marion Townsend of Mesa, Ariz.; two sons and three daughters, Daryl Townsend and his wife Sheila of Tehachapi; Edward Abercrombie and his wife Donna of Las Vegas, Nev.; Ethel Herrera and her husband Jose of Ridgecrest; Nancy Jenkins and her husband Rod of Nipomo; and Caryl Burke and her husband Ron of Studio City; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one on the way; four beloved sisters and a brother, Rexine MacDermaid of Canadian Lakes, Mich., Dixie Jones of Dixon, Marilyn Jones of Placerville, Gayle Kelly of Auburn and Reggie Townsend of Mesa, Ariz.

A celebration of life will be held July 7, in the Bear Valley Springs Community Church, located at 26180 Plateau Place, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to Optimal Hospice Care, or American Cancer Society.

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