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UMNS# 04541-James Townsend, retired Air Force chaplain, dies


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Thu, 18 Nov 2004 18:51:29 -0600

James Townsend, retired Air Force chaplain, dies 

Nov. 18, 2004	 News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470* 
Nashville {04541}

NOTE: Related resources are available online at http://umns.umc.org.

By United Methodist News Service

The Rev. James (Jim) E. Townsend, 73, who was instrumental in establishing
the first endowed professorship for pastoral care at United Methodist-related
Africa University in Zimbabwe, died Nov. 16 in Nashville, Tenn.

He also served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam during his 20 years as a United
Methodist chaplain.

"I first met Jim when he was an Air Force chaplain," said the Rev. Orris E.
Kelly, retired Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Army. "He was highly regarded and
known as a good writer and excellent administrator. When he was named to the
Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries he immediately took on his job
and fulfilled it in an outstanding manner."

Townsend followed Kelly as head of the division. "He was greatly appreciated
by chaplains in the field and he had great skill in interviewing new clergy
as they prepared to enter the chaplain positions endorsed by the division."

Townsend served as top executive with the Division on Chaplains and Related
Ministries, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, from May
1986 until July 1997. Prior to his service at the board, he was an U. S. Air
Force chaplain, retiring at the rank of colonel.

During his tenure with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, he helped
design the curriculum and recruit faculty for the business management and
administration school at Africa University. With the assistance of chaplains
worldwide, he founded the first endowed professorship at Africa University,
the James Walker Chair of Pastoral Care. The Wesley Divinity School of the
Philippines named its library in honor of him in 1998.

During his service in the military, he was twice awarded the Legion of Merit,
the nation's second highest service medal; the Air Force Commendation Medal
and National Service Defense Medal.

For his service in the Vietnam War, he received the Bronze Star Medal, the
Vietnam Service Medal with five Campaign Stars, the Vietnam Cross of
Gallantry with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and the
Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and three Oak Leaf Clusters.

Townsend was a speechwriter for four generals. He also researched, wrote and
edited numerous publications for chaplains and was a specialist in
audiovisual education, adult value education, military family life, spiritual
formation and clergy continuing education.

A Nov. 19 memorial service is planned at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in
Franklin, Tenn. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery next spring.

Townsend is survived by his wife, Billie Jean Goodwin Townsend, three sons,
one daughter and seven grandchildren.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service


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