James S. Townsend, 86, of Boothbay died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at his home. Born in Falmouth, Maine on May 3, 1929, he was the son of John and Elsie Townsend. He grew up in Edgecomb and attended local schools.

James was predeceased by his wife, Gwendolyn (Barter) Townsend. They were married for over 50-years. Jim worked at Samples Shipyard in his early years and retired from the Bath Iron Works in 1992. He was an avid outdoorsman and devoted to his family, who traveled with him on many excursions throughout Maine and beyond. He particularly enjoyed taking his son-in-law, Tom and grandson, David on many outdoor adventures in the woods and rivers of northern Maine. He traveled often to northern Maine on snowmobile trips with his good friend Doug Tuck of Bowdoinham and enjoyed hunting and visiting with his nephews Bill and Jack Townsend in Florida and in Maine. He was a long-term member of the Boothbay Fire Department and began driving fire trucks when he was 14 years old. In recent years Jim was instrumental in developing the Fireman’s Memorial and in the restoration of the departments 1947 Chevrolet fire truck. He was active with the Department up until his death and was their official Steward.

James was also predeceased by his brothers, Clayton Townsend, Clarence Townsend, and John Townsend, and sisters, Evelyn Richardson, Barbara Simpson, and Jacqueline Drake.

Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Lewis and her husband, Tom of Yarmouth, Maine, a grandson, David Lewis and his wife, Amy, and two great-grandchildren Henry and Rose, of Corvallis, Oregon. He is also survived by two sisters – Audrey Alston of Englewood, Florida and Beverly Lytton of Bath, Maine; and several nieces and nephews. Dottie Sherman of Edgecomb, a close companion for the past few years, also survives him.

Jim was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. The lives of his family and friends have been forever enriched by Jim’s kindness and devotion. He will be deeply missed.

At Jim’s request there will not be a funeral service. There will be a celebration of his life at the Boothbay Fire Department on Sunday, March 13 from 3:00 to 5:00. Interment will be private at his beloved camp on Sheepscot Lake with his wife, Gwen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to: Boothbay Fire Department, P.O. Box 106, Boothbay, Maine 04537

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Jim, or to share a story of pictures, visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.