Mr. James Lewis Travis

Celebrating The Life Of James Lewis Travis: James Lewis Travis, Jr. was born on April 7, 1943 to James Lewis Travis, Sr. and Lillie B. Williams in Belzoni, Mississippi with six siblings; Cleveland, Essie Mae, Josie Mae, Joshua, Ethel, and Bobby Jean. He graduated from McNair High School in Belzoni, Mississippi in 1961. Shortly after high school graduation, James moved to Detroit, Michigan, as a part of the great migration to the North, in pursuit of better jobs and opportunities; as well as in the footsteps of his older brother Joshua Travis. James understood the importance of having a spiritual foundation and joined New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership of Reverend Charles L. Franklin. The music could have also drawn him to this place of worship. He loved quartet singers, "The Mighty Clouds of Joy", "Little Milton," "The Williams Brothers" and especially Al Green. Later, he began attending services at Greater Grace Temple under the leadership of Bishop David L. Ellis, Sr. and was also baptized there. While in Detroit, Michigan, James pursued his passion in automotive repair and attended classes at Wayne County Community College and Motech, where he received his Master Mechanic License in automobile repair. Upon James receiving his Master Mechanic Certification, he began working part-time as a mechanic at Travis & Sons Auto Repair Shop, owned and operated by his older brother, Joshua Travis. This brought James great joy and consumed the majority of his free time. But he wouldn't have it any other way. Soon James' family and friends realized that the only way to catch up with him would be to meet him down at Travis & Sons. In addition to repairing cars, James enjoyed bowling and joined various leagues around the city where he received trophies for his great skill and ability. In his spare time, he watched boxing, college football and westerns. He also enjoyed slapstick humor, with the likes of The Three Stooges, Sanford & Sons and any cartoon that came on television. And we can't leave out his affinity for his pet cats, Zagnut & Lil Pete who are certainly a part of the family. James was a very family oriented man and made sure his family spent time with one another. He always participated in family reunions as well as regularly visiting with his siblings who resided locally in Detroit and in Lansing. He was also very protective of his family and ensured that outsiders knew this about him. He was social when necessary, but only after much observation and proof that you were a trustworthy individual. He accepted those whom accepted him and was receptive to those whom were receptive to him. His bark was bigger than his bite (somewhat) meaning, he had a heart of gold. While in Detroit, Michigan, James quickly landed a job at McCausley Great Iron & Steel Company but in 1975, he found his home at the Detroit Public Schools Transportation Department. At DPS, he also met the love of his life. James acquired a following amongst his peers. The management team learned almost immediately that James didn't come there to comply with their rules, but to establish his own. Without even applying for this title, James became the leader of the "Crocketeers." Special attention is being given to his closest comrades and they are as follows: Larry, West, Don, Steve, Rodafay, Mary Ann, Phoebe and Pat. James retired from DPS in 2005 after providing 30 years of service. James Travis transitioned on November 6, 2014.

Mr. James Lewis Travis

April 7, 1943 - November 6, 2014