James Francis Travers

1922 - 2007
James Francis Travers passed away peacefully at his home in Southold, New York on September 25, 2007, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Born on March 1, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, son of Jane Cryan Travers and James Travers, he was a graduate of St. Augustine High School and St. John's University.

James married Mary Edith Holihan on November 24, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York and spent over 50 years of happy times and adventures with their five children.

Mr. Travers' passion for baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers manifested itself in his years as an usher at Ebbets Field, one of his all-time favorite jobs. He cheered when the Dodgers won and suffered along with the rest of Brooklyn when "dem bums" lost. "Imagine," he often said, "getting paid while watching baseball."

Mr. Travers was a corporal in the U.S. Marines Corps and served five years during World War II, seeing action in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Okinawa. He had two specialties: sharpshooter and communication specialist, serving as lead runner installing communication systems in battle zones.

After the war, he completed his college education and founded Manhattan-based Travers Associates, where he served as president of the contractor's and bonding insurance company. Mr. Travers was a successful entrepreneur during the East Coast's commercial real estate development boom in the 1960 and 70's.

The couple retired from their home in Mineola, N.Y., to their residence in Southold, N.Y. where they had spent decades summering with friends and family. Jim was a devote parishioner of St. Patrick's Church.

Jim's passions included golf and music. He was a member of the South Nassau Golf Club and enjoyed playing well into retirement at Island's End Golf Course. Jazz and blues were at the top of his music playlist, which included an eclectic range from Sinatra to Pavarotti.

He loved his home in Southold. Anyone who ever shared a cocktail with him while gazing at Little Peconic Bay will remember his words, "It is the best view in the world."

He is survived by his wife, Mary Edith Travers, his five children: James of Richmond, VA; Kathleen of Southold; Barbara of Seattle, WA; Janet Travers O’Malley and husband, Tim, of Highland, CA; Robert of Black Mountain, N.C.; his six grandchildren, James, Amber, Eric and Kyle Travers and Charlie and Henry O’Malley. They will all miss his love, great humor and entertaining stories. His brother, Jack, predeceased him as did his sister, Geraldine and beloved parents, Jane and James.

Funeral service were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Southold on Saturday, September 29, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, N.Y.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, New York, which provided compassionate care and support to Jim and his family.