James Jerry Haywood, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 1, 2025. Born on February 15, 1942, James, known to by most, "James J" known to by his beautiful wife and "Lucky" known to by the fortunate, was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend who always filled every room with laughter. In 1964 at the age of 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He valued his service highly and took great pride in serving his country until he was honorably discharged in 1966.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara "Bobbi", "Babe" A. Haywood, children, Jody (Sherri) Haywood, Joanna Hayes (Gregory Filhart), stepchildren, Cheryle Kiser, Bradley (Judy) Kearns and Ike Frye, grandchildren, Jamie (Aaron) Dennis, Michael (Britny) Hayes, Joseph (Savannah) Haywood, Cody (Ashley) Haywood, Dylan (Cheyenne) Prater and Daniel Prater, step-grandchildren, Frederick (Leann) Little, Paula Haynes, Barbara Vincent, Jerrod Vincent, Steven (Ashli) Kiser, Amanda Kiser, Robert "Bobby" Witt, Cody (Katia) Kiser, great-grandchildren, Dalton, Brody, Wesley, Avayah, Lillian, Reagan and Hunter Haywood, Ryland, Grayson, Audrey and Ivory Vincent, Ayiannah, Malaiah, Norah and Asher Witt, Mila Haynes, Kaden, Braxton, Kash and Naomi Kiser, siblings, William "Willie" Haywood and Michael "Skinner" (Linda) Haywood, nieces, Shelby (Paul) Smetanko, Teresa (Eric) Red, Kimberly Barrows, and nephew, Brian Haywood.

He is preceded by his father, Ralph James Haywood, mother, Delphia Mae Legue, son, Douglas Haywood, sister, Donna New, sister-n-law, Shirley Haywood, stepchildren, Steve Kiser, Johnny Copeland and Audrey Frye, grandson-n-law, Miles Haynes, grandchildren, Thomas and Douglas Hayes, and great-grandchild, Noah Witt.

James, "James J", "Lucky" was truly one of a kind. He was a valued patron of The American Legion, Post 144 and a lifelong member of The V. F. W. He always had a joke ready to tell, a nickname to give, and a lottery ticket in hand. He adored and cherished his wife, loved his family to the fullest, and could make you laugh even when you tried not to. He will be dearly missed by so many.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at O. R. Woodyard South Chapel, 1346 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207. Graveside ceremony will follow at Obetz Cemetery.  Following the graveside ceremony, please join us at The American Legion, Post 144, 3253 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207 to celebrate James' life and fondest memories of him.