James Traynham

James Warren Traynham, age 87, passed from this earth on July 27, 2019. He was born in Gardendale, Texas on November 27th, 1931 to Warren Traynham and Ester-Gazaway Traynham. James proudly gave many years of his life in service to his country.  He served active combat in How Company, part of the 3rdBattalion of the 1st Marine division (H/3/1) and was later honored with his picture on the Korean War memorial. After the war ended he joined the Air Force for five more years before moving into civil service in Kingsville, Texas as fire department chief and EMT.  James was an avid fisherman and amateur photographer; he loved photographing his family and wildlife and in the spirit of his serving heart he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. In his retirement, he enjoyed working on small engine repair and researching his family history.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven sisters, his former wife Jean Marie Farquhar-Traynham; his beloved son Kenneth Carlton Traynham; his beloved oldest daughter Deborah Kathleen Pierce and his beloved dog Tinka.

He is survived by his beloved youngest daughter and namesake Jamey Kay Colley; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. A dog lover, he said he hoped in the afterlife to not only be surrounded by his children and family but also to be surrounded by all of his pets that had gone before him.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019, to service time at 10:30 a.m. at the Turcotte Piper Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery with military honors.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, Texas 78363.