James Ernest Townsend

James E. “Jim” Townsend passed away on December 9, 2020 after a short illness.  He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday.  Jim was born August 29, 1927 to Edith and John Townsend.  He graduated from Middletown High School and Delhi Agricultural College.

    Jim had the privilege to serve on the Orange County Legislature, 19th District, for 20 years during which he served as majority leader and Chairman for four years.  He considered it a great honor to serve and did so with character and integrity.  He was past Chairman of the Social Services, Finance Committee and Reapportionment Committee.

    Jim was a retired Vice President of Marshall and Sterling Insurance, past President and 40 year member of Middletown Rotary, Middletown Jaycees and Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors.   He was also a past member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA, NY OTB. Middletown Chamber of Commerce and Horton Memorial Hospital. He was a recipient of the Cornell Coop Outstanding Achievement award and the Jewish National Funds highest honor – the Tree of Life Award.

    He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Isabelle, his son Gregory (Jeannie), his daughters Darlene Garland (Pat), Isabelle Morrison (Corey) and Cynthia Herbst (David).

    He is survived by 5 grandchildren, Rayna (Kevin), Rachael (Chris), Rory (Michelle) Michael and Samantha and 7 great-grandchildren Owen, Patrick, Raya, Aurora, Alexandra, Oliver and Roman.

He is also survived by cousins, nephews and nieces.

    He is pre-deceased by his parents, in-laws, and his sister Beulah.

    A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-7 PM Tuesday, June 15th at the Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY.

    Graveside Services will be held 10 AM Wednesday, June 16th at Wallkill Cemetery, 160 Midway Road, Middletown, NY. Deacon Thomas Liotta will officiate.

    Donations may be made in Jim’s name to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 50l St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

   Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY. 

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