James Roy Townsend

James Roy Townsend fought the good fight and was called home on January 7, 2020, with family surrounding. Jim was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 24, 1939, and was the firstborn of George and Catherine Townsend.

Jim grew up in Superior, Arizona and was a proud 1957 graduate of Superior High School. SHS was where Jim met a feisty little softball player named Patricia Arrendale. The marriage vows exchanged by the soldier and the softball player, in a little town in Mississippi on August 31, 1957, extended beyond the span of 62 years.

Jim enlisted in the Army in June 1957 and proudly served his country. After completing his commitment in the Army, Jim and Pat returned to their hometown of Superior, Arizona and Jim went to work for Magma Copper Company.  Jim was called back to serve for another nine months during the Cuban Missile Crisis, “The Bay of Pigs.”  Once again returning to Superior and continuing to work for Magma Copper Company at the smelter and later in the electrical department.  In 1965, Jim went to work for The Ford Motor Company in Pico Rivera, California. Jim and Pat made their final move to Las Vegas, Nevada where Jim worked as a dispatcher for Nevada Power Company for 31 years until his retirement in 1996.  Jim soon learned that he was not quite ready for retirement and went to work at power plants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Benson, Arizona. 

Jim was an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, and even participated in a successful deer hunt as recently as a year ago.  Jim also loved all things Superior and was a regular attendee at Superior High School class reunions held in Laughlin.  It was always deemed a great reunion when he was able to score tamales from Superior.  In his younger days he participated in football, basketball, and baseball and loved watching sports.

However, in the many chapters of Jim’s life, family has always been his number one priority.  Jim was an amazing father, coach, fan, and beloved friend to his sons Roy and Paul.  He transitioned from coaching his own sons to following his grandchildren and their athletic and scholastic accomplishments.  It began on the sidelines of Andrew’s golf, football, and baseball careers.  Next, Grandpa turned into a softball fanatic and statistician when Kourtney and Katelyn began playing volleyball, basketball, and softball for Spanish Springs HS. He loved following their softball careers.  He prided in their wins and comforted them in their losses (If a loss occurred, in Grandpa’s eyes it was always someone else’s fault).   In Grandpa’s usual fashion, he became a quick study of the world of gymnastics and color guard as his next shining star Aubrey, participated and excelled in both activities.  He looked forward to his next chapter of activities and events with his great grandchildren Talon, Stetson, and Sagelynn Townsend.  Jim did not only follow his own children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren but was often spotted in the stands at his great nephews’ Cash and Colton Urioste’s sporting events.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving son James Roy Townsend, Jr., his parents George and Catherine Townsend, and his brother Robert Townsend.  He is survived by his loving wife Pat Townsend; son Paul (Kelly) Townsend; and daughter-in-law Shannon Townsend.  His legacy will carry on through his four grandchildren, Andrew Scott (Shasta Lynn), Kourtney Amanda, Katelyn Isabel, and Aubrey Hayden Townsend; and his three great grandchildren, Talon James, Stetson Lane, and Sagelynn Grace Townsend. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Diane) Townsend, sisters Ann Townsend; Jan (Mark) Urioste; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services will be held at Grace Community Church in Boulder City, Nevada on Saturday, January 18th, 2020.  Viewing will be held from 10:00-10:45 AM.  Service will be at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon hosted by Grace Community Church.

Family and Friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

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