James Moultrie Townsend, Jr. M.D.

James Moultrie Townsend, Jr., M.D.,76, husband of Lucretia Gibbs Townsend, entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 26, 2023 in Raleigh, NC. His funeral service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 in St. Philip’s Church, 142 Church Street at 11 o’clock. Visitation for family and friends will follow in the parish hall. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. 

"Jimmy" as he was always known, was born in Greenwood, Mississippi to the late Dr. James Moultrie Townsend and Joanna Little Townsend, while his father was in the Army. Growing up in Charleston, he spent a lot of time on the waters of Charleston where he became a competitive small boat sailor. Jimmy was a proud member of the last graduating class of Gaud School; a graduate of the College of Charleston; and a graduate of the Medical University of SC where he earned his Medical Degree. Following residency in Winston-Salem through Wake Forest University, Jimmy entered a private ObGyn practice in Charleston where he practiced for 25 years. After closing his practice, Jimmy went to New Zealand where he worked for the National Health Ministry. He loved the four years there and traveled widely while abroad. After his return to Charleston, Jimmy was severely injured in a car wreck and was unable to practice medicine again.

Jimmy was a member of several social clubs and professional organizations throughout his life. As a member of St. Philip’s Church, he served as Acolyte Master for 12 years and went on a medical mission to Honduras.

Jimmy loved being on the water - sailing, shrimping or just exploring some of the local creeks were happy times. An avid cyclist, he even rode to Clemson once for Parents’ Weekend. Jimmy was a passionate fan of the College of Charleston Cougars basketball teams for many years, and later became an avid fan of whatever teams his grandchildren were playing on that season. Jimmy loved watching all of them compete in person, even as getting around became difficult.

Along with his wife of 53 years, Jimmy is survived by their three children: Josephine T. Willis and J. Moultrie Townsend III both of Port Royal, SC and John G. Townsend (Anna) of Raleigh, NC; sisters: Joanna T. Scarborough (Bill) of Charleston and Catherine T. Taperman of Beaufort, SC; five grandchildren: Z. Davis Willis, J. Guerin Willis and Saida L. Willis of Port Royal, SC and John M. Townsend and Marshall L. Townsend of Raleigh, NC. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Josephine L. Townsend.

Memorials may be made to Kanuga, 130 Kanuga Chapel Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 or to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209.