James D. Townsend

JAMES D. TOWNSEND 69, of Ocala, Florida went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2013. He was the son of Colonel James W. Townsend and Audrey Burns Townsend. Upon graduating from high school, Jim attended Purdue University, before changing majors and transferring to Butler University where he earned a degree in business and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Before entering the world of finance, he attended the PGA Tour School and then became assistant pro at the Fort Harrison Golf Course. In his younger days, he was a scratch golfer and even held the course record at a Florida golf course. After working at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co and the Amateur Athletic Union, he branched out on his own and set up a private accounting practice in Anderson, Indiana. Tiring of Indiana winters, Jim moved to Englewood, Florida in the 1980s. He became a partner in the Flischel, Townsend, Murtha CPA firm and worked there until his retirement in 2005. Jim was a true Renaissance man. Besides being a "numbers wizard," he found time to immerse himself into numerous hobbies and areas of study including the Civil War, horticulture, global commodities trading, Constitutional law, tarpon fishing and every imaginable sport. Jim was a 32nd degree Mason and Past Worshipful Master at the Ovid Masonic Lodge. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. Jim volunteered as a tutor in math and accounting, at the hospital, with the Boys and Girls Clubs, as a volunteer fireman, and with the Boy Scouts. He is survived by his son, Jami (Julie) Townsend; granddaughter, Brandi Townsend; great grandson, Brandt; and sister, Cathy Kane. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 16, at 11:00 AM, at the Washington Park East Cemetery and Funeral Center, located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan