James "Jimmy" Townsend

James "Jimmy" Townsend was born October 27, 1932 to Artimissie Stephens in Arrow, Arkansas. He departed this life on December 18, 2015. His mother, Artimissie Stephens; brother, Sam Greenwood; sister, Dorothy Mae Cox; grandson, David LaBlance; and niece, Johnnie Marie Greenwood all preceded him in death. Jimmy was educated in the Arkansas Public School System. In the 1950's he moved to Kansas City where he worked briefly for the Unites States Postal Service and later became an entrepreneur. Over the span of four decades, Jimmy owned several bars and restaurants throughout the Kansas City metro area that included The Sports Bar, Jimmy's Steakhouse, Dee's Rib House and the Green Duck. Jimmy's long-time friend, Rosemary Lowe (affectionately known as Mama Lowe), worked for the City of Kansas City and treated Jimmy as if he were her son. She was influential in helping him register the Green Duck as a historical landmark. Jimmy enjoyed giving back to the community. He often fed and loaned people money and gave donations to various charities and churches. One of his favorite charities was Niles Home for Children. He also made regular contributions to his good friend Reverend John Modest Miles, Pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, Delores LaBlance of Kansas City, MO; son, Keith Townsend (Tashona), of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren: Julio LaBlance, Tootie LaBlance, Rochelle Jennings, Christopher Jennings, Heaven Gray and Raymond Gray, all of Kansas City, MO; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Louise Greenwood of Kansas City, MO and special friend, companion and business partner, Dolores Robinson (owner of Dee's Rib house).