James R. Townsend, 78, passed away at his home Friday, July 8th, 2016, after a long illness. Mr. Townsend was a native of Frankfort, KY, a son of the late Cassius and Linda Pitt Townsend. He was a retired mason, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was preceded in death by grandson Michael Townsend; his brothers Allen Crowe, and George Townsend. Survivors include his companion of 57 years, Mary F. Townsend; his sons Cassius Townsend III, James E. (Bobbie) Townsend, Johnson (Amy) Townsend, Joe Townsend, Richard Neal; his daughters Connie (Jacob) Estes, Dorothy (Henry Knight) Walling, Jessica Townsend; his brothers Paul Townsend, Cassius (Neabie) Townsend II, Creed Joe (Alice) Townsend; his sisters Sandra Hardy, Rethia Gooch, Mary (Edward Smith) Kirby, Rhonda Gabbard, Bernice Willis, Wanda (Farrell) Willis; his grandchildren Victoria & Logan Townsend, Melissa Townsend, Latasha Alexander, Leighann Alexander, Clayton Mays, Chris Hoover, Josh Walling, Marlena Richardson, Gloria Bingham, Lester Lee Richardson, Carly Townsend, Corey Townsend, and Ethan Townsend; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services will be held Monday, July 11th, 2016 at 11:00 am, Lewis Funeral Home with Jason Riddell officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery. Friends may call after 10:00 am until service time. Pallbearers will be Joe, Cassius III, James, & Logan Townsend, Clayton Mays, and Chris Hoover. Honorary pallbearer will be Josh Walling.