James Henry Townsend, 91, of Sheridan, died October 7, 2015 at his home after he lost his battle with cancer.

Jim was born on Beaver Creek on August 12, 1924 to early Sheridan County Pioneers Benitta Helen (Dow) and Edward Sherman Townsend. At the age of 7, Jim's family moved from Beaver Creek to a home on Little Goose Creek where they continued to farm. While living on Little Goose, Jim attended the McCormick School. Jim attended Brundage School for 7th and 8th grade. The family later moved to Tongue River and Jim rode the Acme School bus to Sheridan High School. Jim graduated from Sheridan High School in 1943.

After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy in the spring of 1944. He went to Boot Camp and electrician school at Farragut, ID. Jim served in the Pacific theater on PC 578. Jim served on this ship as UDT, electrician and gunner. His adventures on PC 578 took him to the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He talked about the great typhoon in Okinawa and spending time on the shore of Japan when Japan capitulated.

In 2011, Jim was able to take the Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. to see the WWII Memorial. He had the honor of carrying the Wyoming wreath for that day's ceremony.

Jim and Ruth Daylong, a nurse from Billings, MT, married on May 7, 1949 in Sheridan. Jim and Ruth raised 4 children, Carol, Pat, Mike, and Mark. He passed on to his family his love for hunting, fishing, the Big Horn Mountains, gardening and a good work ethic. Jim had a great fondness for his 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Working hard, especially outdoors, is what he enjoyed most.

Jim was not one to ask for help, but was always there any time when anyone needed help. He was always "up for" a game of cribbage and he usually won!

James is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons Mike (Joleen), Sheridan, Mark (Kristy), Sheridan and daughter, Carol (Les) Jimmerson, Battle Lake, MN. Also he is survived by siblings Roy Townsend, Billings, MT and Dora Davidson, Sand Point, ID.

Preceding him in death were his parents, daughter, Pat, brother, Edward I., sister's Bernice Renie and Peggy Miller.

After retirement, Jim maintained the Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn, WY for many years taking great pride in the up keep.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Monday, October 12, 2015 with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Champion Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn with military honors. A reception will be held after the burial at the Big Horn Women's Club in Big Horn.

He requested that memorials be made to: Mount Hope Cemetery c/o Judy Slack, PO Box 233, Big Horn, WY 82833, designated for continued maintenance or to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.championfh.com.

The Sheridan Press - Oct. 10, 2015.