IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Claude James Townsend (Jim) passed away July 16, 2022, in Edgewater, Florida.

Born in Flatbrookville, New Jersey on December 5, 1937, he was predeceased by his father, Claude Townsend, mother, Elizabeth (Noakes) Townsend, sister, Marion and brother, Paul.

He is survived by his love significant other, Jeanie Ryan, three sons, Daniel, David and James (Jet) as well as Jet's mother, Dianna, three grand-children, Alex, Chase and Mya, sister, Sue Bodle, niece, Reghan Ruppert, nephews, Ronnie, Aaron, Deen, John, Oren and Mark.

Jim retired from Kennedy Space Center after 38 years in communications there.  He was an avid golf player, served as Youth Director at Rockledge Methodist Church, an active County High School soccer coach for ten years, and an Enrollment Director and Referee.  He also started a youth referee program and a mother's/women's soccer team called The Excalibur.  Jim coached for St. Theresa's Church youth soccer team and Titusville soccer team off season.  He was a great dancer, especially the Jitterbug.  Jim was also very involved in the Edgewater United Methodist Church and ran their pumpkin patch for seven years.  He created a prayer garden and burial site for the church, created a play, Pom Pom Girls for Jesus and was involved in many fundraisers.  Jim was also a Certified Bob Ross Instructor and had a studio in Edgewater, Florida.  He was a kind, loving, caring person who was loved by many.

A Celebration of Jim's life will be held at Edgewater United Methodist Church, 211 North Ridgewood Avenue, in Edgewater, Florida, on July 30, 2022 at 10:00 am.