James William Townsend

James William Townsend was born to Dean and Novelle (Hodson) Townsend on December 8, 1952 in Minneapolis, MN. Jim was the second of nine children. They lived in North Minneapolis, next door to his Great Aunt and Great Uncle, and just one block away from his Grandfather and Step-Grandmother. He attended Minneapolis Public Schools and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1970. He joined the military in 1971 and was a US Army Chaplains Assistant until his discharge in November 1974. Jim and Carolyn met at their five year high school class reunion and were married on April 2, 1977. They were blessed with two children (Megan Kathleen and Chloe Aurora). Jim worked for 30 years for Minneapolis Public Schools as a Custodial Engineer, retiring in 2006 as the Head Engineer of Jenny Lind School. He then went to work for Kottkes' Bus Company in Anoka until 2013. Jim was active as a youth and adult for over 50 years in the Boy Scouts. He earned the rank of Life under his father's troop leadership. He continued his involvement in Scouts by working with Explorer Posts that provided Order of the Arrow ceremonies. He was also a member of Nidaros Lodge of Sons of Norway for nearly 40 years and held many different positions in the lodge and District 1. One of Jim's favorite past times was participating in black powder shooting activities with Twin Cities Muzzle Loaders Club (TCMLC). He enjoyed camping with various Rendezvous re-enactment groups as well as camping and hiking with his family - particularly in the Minnesota State Parks. He traveled to Norway to discover the family farm at the head of the Sognefjord with Carolyn. Other travel was with friends from Zion Lutheran Church to Israel to follow in the steps of Jesus, and later, to Germany to follow Luther's path. Jim was active with multiple groups at Zion but especially enjoyed Tuesday morning Bible studies, and serving communion whenever he could. At home his favorite activity was to sit on the deck and watch the birds, especially whistling to the cardinals and having them answer back. In later years he developed a talent for bread baking, specializing in whole grain loaves and braided cardemom bread. He also enjoyed smoking cheddar cheese and cooking chili, winning several times at the Zion Mens Chili cook-off! He was known for sharing his delicious treats with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Carolyn, daughters Megan (Chris) Ramsett, and Chloe Townsend, grandchildren Kaylee and Daniel Ramsett, siblings Michael, Laura Foss, Cindy Miklethun (John), Liz Rathbun (Scott ), Diane, Susie Haim (Ron), Sonja Genke, aunt Anne Hodson (Rachel Syverson), numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Visitation 4-7 PM Tuesday July 7th at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 West Broadway, Crystal. Memorial service Wednesday at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church, 1600 4th Ave, Anoka. Inurnment at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church Technology Fund.

James William Townsend

December 8, 1952 - June 25, 2026

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