A wheel that turns gathers no rust. This is how Jim Townsend lived, and he expressed his love by doing. There were no rusty wheels in his home. Jim crafted a backyard swing and bike trailers for his children Amy and Dan from spare parts. He made Soapbox Derby cars – two donated to the Derby (including one with an antique auto grill and an AOOGA! horn) and one for Dan; Jim delayed a family trip to the beach when Dan unexpectedly kept winning until landing 6th place. He drew the plans for his vacation home at Holden Beach himself and rigged up a sprinkler on a timer to rinse the salt spray from the AC unit, doubling its life. His wife Carolyn needed some help making a Lucite whale for her art project; Jim had a pencil grinder. Windows needed curtains; Jim had learned to sew while fixing the boat cover. And the list went on and on – furniture, Model As, Christmas decorations, whelk and driftwood bookends, model boats, wine stoppers. He also served as a mentor for his children and encouraged Amy and Dan to pursue careers in engineering.
Jim was born to Earle and George Townsend in Rock Hill, SC on April 9, 1937. He proudly attended Clemson University graduating in mechanical engineering – a degree that suited him exceptionally well – and then served in the US Army after graduating.
Jim fell in love with Carolyn and married. As they built their home, Jim and Carolyn enjoyed hunting through antique shops and collecting treasures. Judging from old slides and pictures, Jim and Carolyn never parted ways with any of these pieces, which in turn soaked up happy memories of their growing family and circle of friends during holidays, Kentucky Derby parties, and more.
Jim worked for several firms as a professional engineer and then became an entrepreneur by purchasing his hometown appliance and plumbing store, Waldrop Supply. In his second career, Jim successfully grew Waldrop, launched an irrigation business, and expanded to Chester.
When Carolyn passed away, Jim found Margaret and remarried. Jim and Margaret enjoyed many years together maintaining a home for both his and her families. Jim hosted woodworking camps for the grandchildren and showed off inventions like his potato canon powered by hair spray.
In retirement, he threw himself into his lifelong hobbies of antique autos and woodworking. Jim split his time “working” at his shop with friends on classic cars and in his wood shop building furniture and other pretty things.
James Neely Townsend (Jim) passed peacefully on Sept 10, 2026, in Rock Hill, SC. He was preceded in death by his loving partner Carolyn Townsend and his second wife Margaret Townsend. Jim leaves behind his children Amy Schroeder and Dan Townsend, five grandchildren, a wide circle of friends, and numerous beautiful things handcrafted of wood and steel. Jim will be remembered for his smile, enthusiasm, and many acts of kindness.
Service will be held Saturday, October 10, at 11:00 am, at First ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Queen City Model A Club, a 501c3 organization, for their Model A Youth Learning Center fund (link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/model-a-ford-youth-center).
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.