James A. Townsend (Jim), born September 20, 1945, passed away peacefully July 24, 2025. Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Ande, daughter Jessica Townsend, stepson Tristan, sister-in-law Ellie, brother-in-law Jack, family and friends. He was kind-hearted and good-humored; he was a good man.

Jim had such a deep love of the outdoors and the mountains. He was raised on a farm in upstate New York. He was an Eagle Scout, worked in the Grand Canyon, and eventually worked as a land surveyor, his career for over 30 years. After retiring from surveying, he became a bicycle mechanic because of his love of the sport, especially mountain biking. He loved working with his hands, from painting every room in the house he and Ande shared, to building birdhouses for feathered friends, to assembling incredibly detailed model airplanes.

His green burial -- a fitting tribute to someone who loved nature the way Jim did -- took place on the homestead he loved, honoring the environment and preserving natural beauty. Family and friends who wish to come pay their respects are welcome to reach out to the family through the Bernhardt Funeral obituary page.

Donations can be made in Jim's honor to sorba.org (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association).