James A. Travers III

1948 - 2022

Travers, James A. III RAVENA James A.Travers III, passed away peacefully on the eve of August 31, 2022, after losing his battle with lymphoma. James, aka Jim or Jimmy, was born on October 31, 1948, to the late Helen K. Travers (Kennedy) and the late James A.Travers II, in Freeport on Long Island. Jim was the youngest of three children. Jim graduated from Wantaugh High School in 1967. Jim was a great prankster and he and his friends loved playing pranks on each other as well on some other unsuspecting victims. He also enjoyed surfing and going to Jones Beach. Jim married Judy Shaw in 1969 and they had two children, Cheryln and Jason. They moved to Albany and eventually separated. Jim raised Cheryln and Jason as a single parent, dedicating his life to them. Jim was a wonderful and loving father. Jim fought against social injustices his entire life. He would help anyone, without exception, and his kindness and humility were appreciated by all who knew him. He became involved with United Tenants of Albany in the 1970s, when he had housing problems. He remained an active supporter of tenants' rights and affordable housing throughout his life. Many of the folks he met through United Tenants became lifelong friends. Jim was also passionate about the environment and was active with Save the Pine Bush, fighting to preserve the land, its rare ecosystem, and the Karner Blue butterfly. Many environmental causes benefitted from Jim's activism. Jim was predeceased by his sister, Sharon McGlynn; and his son, Jason. He is survived by his sister, Dawn Daugherty (John); his daughter, Cheryln Travers; his son-in-law, Eric Phoenix; his two grandchildren, Bazeil Phoenix and Zinnaira Mansingh; as well as his two great-granddaughters, Fearra and Aleiya Mansingh. He is also survived by three nieces and a nephew. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society, 405 Washington Ave., Albany. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Tenants of Albany or Save the Pine Bush.