James Traywick

James Lowell Traywick, long time resident of Fortson, Georgia, passed on early Wednesday morning, May 21.

A celebration of life will be held in James's honor 1:00PM Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend J.D. Templeton officiating. The family will receive James's friends and loved ones for a visitation one hour prior to the services at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

James was born June 27, 1942 in Ariton, Alabama to Lowell Lilliton and Willie Pearl (née Jacobs) Traywick; the eldest of four brothers, James would spend much of his youth balancing the childhood spent along the backroads of rural Alabama against the bustling, "big city" opportunities of Columbus. At the age of 11, he was one of 41 youths to qualify early for the city's 17th Annual running of the Soap Box Derby, weeks ahead of another 97 registrants, and though he didn't take home a placing win in his first racer, "All is fair in war and racing", the motto of the 1955 year, would prove prophetic throughout his life. Embracing a passion for mechanical engineering and a love of fast cars, James worked his way from automotive repair apprentice at Bill Heard Chevrolet dealership, to founding and operating his own automotive professional business, and by spring of 1973 was earning weekly write-ups in local papers for his track performances at EAMS.

In the truest testament to holding onto the grit necessary to follow your heart, EAMS is where James would eventually meet and fall in love with the woman he spent the last 49 years with, Vikki Traywick. His three sons would follow the path he'd begun and likewise become talented drivers and respected mechanics in their own right, indeed today the name "Traywick" is almost synonymous with quality auto work for honest prices in Columbus. James's years in business and on the racing circuit also blessed him with a great many lifelong friends, who shared his history as well as his interests. James was a faithful participant in the “Coffee Club” at the Chevron on GA Hwy 315 for years, he hosted weekly poker nights for well over a decade, and was an enthusiastic member of his local Corvette Club.

James was preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers, Gene and Joe Traywick, and by his youngest son, Mark Traywick. Remaining to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Vikki Traywick of Fortson, GA; sons James Edward "Jimmy" and Gary Traywick (Dawn), both of Columbus, GA, daughters Theresa Traywick Dyer (George) of Fortson, GA, Tara Powell of Atlanta, GA, and Kristin West of Savannah, GA, and a brother, Jimmy Traywick (Sherian) of Fortson, Ga. Grandchildren; Blandin and Mahlon Dyer, both of Fortson, GA, Laurin Kreuzkamp (Branten) of Cataula, GA, Kyle Fuller (Sarah) of Columbus, GA, Caroline Wright (Bo) of Columbus, GA, Ashlee Jamerson (James) of Jackson, GA, Conner Traywick of Colorado Springs, CO, Wesley Powell of Atlanta, GA, Mackenzie Gilliland of Atlanta, Ga, Kaylee Gilliland of Savannah GA, and Emilee Whitten of Columbus, GA.; Eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and his beloved pup Chloe.