James C. Townsend

Mr. James C. “J.C.” Townsend, 83, was summoned home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, October 30, 2009. He was born in Quitman, MS, on February 14, 1926. He was the first born child of the late Fred and Jeanette (nee: Jordan) Townsend. While being raised in Mississippi, J.C. received Christ at an early age. On December 26, 1946, in Mississippi he married the former Ruthie Mae Washington. She preceded him in death on October 5, 1995.

He had been employed by A.M.C. for over 46 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the A.M.C/ Chrysler 20 Year Club, and the UAW Local 72 Retirees. J.C. was the self-proclaimed “Checker King” and, at least in his own mind, was “Mr. Fix-It”. He also enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables.

He leaves behind those who loved him most, his children, Ruby M. (Gerald) Oliver of Milwaukee, James A. “Tiny” Townsend, Eloise (Charlie) Johnson, Robert H. Townsend, Rose (Jesse) Foster, James R. (Betty) Townsend all of Racine, Shelly H. (Karen) Townsend of Aurora, CO, Ted (Jessica) Williams, Patricia Davis, Tavares Davis, also all of Racine; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friend, Annie Davis; his brother, Willie Ray Townsend both of Racine; his sister, Eva Bumpers of Enterprise, MS; sisters in-law and brother-in-law, Rosie Bell Townsend of Enterprise, MS, Sherman Washington, Mary Bunch, Kizzie Bester, Louise Evans all of Racine, Ora Washington of Laurel, MS, Ruth Hazel Jones of Madison; his checker buddies, Rev. Larry Jackson, Rev. Joe Barker, Arthur McGee, and Stermidge Chambers all of Racine. James is further survived by a host of other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ratonya Oliver; brother, Robert Townsend; and sister, Geneva Blackmon.

His Homegoing will be held in the funeral home on Friday, November 6, 2009 at noon with Rev. Larry Jackson officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.