Jimmie Odell Townsend

Jimmie Odell Townsend (74) died April 10, 2026 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Jimmie was born on January 23, 1952 in Charlotte, NC, the middle child of three, to the late Montgomery Odell Townsend and Beaupine Miller Townsend.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Karen and Jim Caron of Vista, California; brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Jo Ann Townsend of Norwood, NC; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Jimmie grew up in Charlotte, and as a young child had an illness that left him mentally challenged. He was responsible for his mother starting the first Special Education Program in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Doctors said he’d never read and write, but he far surpassed what was ‘expected’ of him. He did read and write, took tap dancing lessons, swam on the swim team at Carmel Country Club, and traveled the world with his parents. He loved parades and was an honorary leader of the Charlotte Thanksgiving Parade for several years. He loved his cat and dogs; he was the world’s biggest fan of Disney World, enjoying several trips there with family members. He also loved visiting his sister in Virginia, “sneaking away” for a car ride, a Pepsi, and some M&Ms with brother Jim, and taking tours of Washington, DC; one of his proudest possessions was an American flag that had flown over the US Capitol. He also enjoyed swimming, water skiing, and boating at Lake Norman with family.

After high school he went to Goodwill Industries for Vocational Training and was placed as a bag boy for Harris Teeter, where he was loved by so many, and cheerfully worked there for 29 years before being forced out. He was proud of his job and the many friends he made among the customers.

Jimmie lived at home in Charlotte until his mother passed away in 2005; he then lived with his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jo Ann, in Norwood until his death. While there, Jimmie attended the Monarch Adult Program until COVID hit in 2020. One of the highlights of his life was attending Camp Barnabas at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, NC until 2025 when he was no longer able to attend due to declining health and the onset of dementia.

He was a life member of Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte (which his parents helped found) until 2005 when he came to live with Thomas and Jo Ann. While living in Norwood, Jimmie attended Green Memorial Methodist Church for approximately 15 years, and enjoyed being an acolyte and having the important “job” of helping the pastor by passing out hymnals and greeting people before moving his membership to Aquadale Baptist Church.

Jimmie enjoyed old country music, western shows, and musicals, as well as Disney movies, Lawrence Welk, and a good laugh. He loved helping his brother Tom on the farm, especially mowing the yard, and was always asking “what can I do to help?” Everyone who met Jimmie loved him and he will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aquadale Baptist Church or donations of fruit trees or bee friendly flowers in memory of Jimmie to Springhill Farm & Apiary.